Sufi shrines targeted in Bangladesh amid rise of radicalism: Report
Sufi shrines targeted in Bangladesh amid rise of radicalism: Report
Radical groups in Bangladesh are increasingly targeting Sufi shrines and practices, a departure from their previous focus on religious minorities.
The trend is highlighted in a report by the Dhaka-based Islamic Sufi organization Maqam: Centre for Sufi Heritage.
The report reveals that at least six mazars were targeted between January and June 2026.
Notably, an incident in April saw Pir Abdur Rahman killed inside his own mazar by a mob of nearly 300 people.
Other notable attacks on mazars
The report also mentions an attack on devotees at Hazrat Ibrahim Shah's Mazar in Sylhet during an Urs festival in March.
The attackers objected to music being played during the celebrations, seriously injuring three people and damaging a nearby mosque.
Dhaka's Shah Ali Bagdadi Mazar was also targeted, with footage showing assailants attacking Sufi followers with green sticks.
Other mazars targeted include Kushtia's Hazrat Shah Dargah Sharif and Barishal's Habib Shah Darbar Sharif.