Bangladesh Tariqat Parishad protests attacks on Sufi shrines
The Bangladesh Tariqat Parishad (BTP), a Sufi-focused non-political organisation, staged a demonstration on Saturday (7 September) to condemn recent attacks on religious institutions, including Sufi shrines and darbars.
The event, held at Jatiya Press Club’s Abdus Salam Hall, began with a human chain protest, followed by a memorandum presentation to the chief adviser, according to a press release.
Speaking as the chief guest Professor D Shah Kawsar Mustafa Abul Ulai, chairman of Dhaka University’s Philosophy Department, condemned the attacks, stating, “Aulia haters are exploiting the students’ victory by targeting the shrines and khankas of Pir-Dervishes, who have long been advocates of peace in society.
“It is crucial for university student coordinators leading the national movement to take a stand on this issue,” he added.
The parishad’s Central President Pir Basar Khandani of Khandani Darbar Sharif presided over the meeting, while the organisation’s General Secretary, Md Shamsul Alam Chisti, read the memorandum.
The memorandum called on the interim government to address the growing violence against Sufi religious sites.
Special guest Syed Zafar Sadek Shah said, “Aulia haters aim to create societal chaos, targeting students and disrupting peace. It is imperative to ensure the safety and human rights of all.”
He urged the government to respond swiftly to the escalating attacks.
Muhammad Ahsanul Hadi, associate professor of Persian Language and Culture at Dhaka University, highlighted the historical role of Sufi saints in fostering societal harmony.
He warned that the “Aulia haters” were manipulating the students’ victory for their own agenda, calling it a “demonic game.”
Other notable speakers included Shahsufi Ali Reza Pehlvi Haidar of Pagar Darbar, Aminul Ehsan Ferdous of Al Kadmi Darbar, and Shahsufi Deen Mohammad Nizami Chishti. The event, moderated by BTP Central Information Technology Secretary Shah Midu, concluded with a strong call for governmental intervention to protect Sufi shrines and uphold peace in society.
