Mass resistance march demands punishment of shrine attackers

A faction of civil society organised a ‘Mass Resistance March’ to demand the punishment of those responsible for attacks on shrines and religious sites, alongside a 5-point demand. 

Following the march, a four-member delegation submitted a memorandum to the Home Affairs Adviser, urging immediate action.

The protest march started at 12pm from the High Court Mazar premises and concluded with a brief rally in front of the National Press Club.

In the memorandum, the protestors emphasised that while people may have differing thoughts or ideologies, violence against individuals or institutions simply due to opposing views cannot be justified. 

“Shrines may practice a version of Islam that certain groups or political organisations do not agree with, but attacking them is not acceptable,” the memorandum stated.

The document also added that if any group believes it is justified to attack others for having different beliefs or opinions, it is a clear attempt to reintroduce fascism in a different form. 

“They want to establish a regime of oppression and looting under the guise of religion. Therefore, it is important to establish a mass resistance against all attacks on shrines and religious sites across the country.”

The demonstrators criticised the interim government, stating, “Despite coming to power through a mass uprising, this government has failed to take visible, effective steps to protect shrines and religious sites.” 

“Why did it take so long for the government to take a stand? Why did so many shrines have to be attacked before action was taken?” they questioned.

“We have seen bulldozers being used to destroy shrines, remains being exhumed from graves, fires being set, and visitors being beaten—all while the government remained silent. This silence is alarming. We demand the government immediately enforce strict measures against shrine attacks,” they added. 

Among the additional demands in the memorandum were calls for the government to ensure the safety of all shrines and religious sites, rebuild all demolished shrines, and cover the medical expenses of those injured in these attacks. 

The protesters also called for families of those killed in the attacks to receive proper compensation and justice.

Moreover, they urged the government to take a firm stance against mob justice, moral policing, and misogynistic propaganda. 

Fazal Haque, a follower of Sureswar Darbar Sharif from Shonir Akhra, told The Business Standard, “While my shrine has not been attacked, this culture of violence has threatened my faith and religious practices. That’s why I am protesting today. Immediate justice must be served to set an example.”

Prominent figures who joined the march included Farhad Mazhar, Zonayed Saki, Arup Rahi, Salah Uddin Shubhra, Bithi Ghosh, Amal Akash, Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Mohammad Romel, and other active caretakers and followers of various shrines across the country.