The police have reported 44 incidents of vandalism and attacks on 40 shrines across the country since August 4, 2024. These incidents include vandalism, looting of shrine properties, assaults on devotees, and arson.
According to the police report, the highest number of 17 incidents occurred in the Dhaka Division (17), followed by 10 incidents in Chattogram Division, and seven incidents in Mymensingh Division.
Notably, Sherpur district in Mymensingh Division witnessed four attacks on a single shrine.
The police have initiated legal actions in all 44 cases, including filing of 15 regular cases and registering 29 general diaries.
So far, 23 perpetrators have been arrested. Charge sheets have been submitted in two cases, while investigations continue in the remaining 13 cases and 29 GDs.
The interim government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward shrine attacks.
A statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of shrines, known as Mazars and Dargahs.
“All police units have been instructed to investigate the cases thoroughly and arrest all those involved in the attacks,” the statement read.
The government has prioritised the protection of shrines, with police implementing a series of measures to ensure their safety by encouraging aggrieved individuals to file complaints, organising peace meetings with conflicting parties to address local issues and conducting community sensitisation programmes involving Islamic leaders and the public through community policing initiatives.
The government iterated its determination to safeguard the country's religious and cultural heritage, emphasising that such attacks will not be tolerated.