CONTINUED attacks on shrines of pirs, fakirs and saints across the country shows the failure of the authorities and society to protect the sites that are an integral part of the social and religious fabric. Since the overthrow of the 15 years鈥� autocratic regime of the Awami League, there have been attacks on at least 25 shrines and dozens of devotees, leaving many shrines vandalised and many devotees wounded. A mob attacked Buchai Pagla shrine at Dhamrai in Dhaka on September 11. At least 25 people became injured as another mob attacked and clashed with devotees of Hazrat Shah Paran shrine on September 9. Among others, Garibshah Babar Mazar in Jashore, Dargah Mazar in Narsingdi, Chandpur Darbar Sharif in Cumilla, Khwajababa Shahsufi Abul Hasan Chisti Rawza Sharif in Khulna, Baro Awlia in Chattogram, Noor Isar Darbar Sharif in Mymensingh, Borhanuddin Biran Shah in Dhaka, Ali Pagla Mazar in Sirajganj, Aynal Shah Mazar in Narayanganj and Bibi Sakhinar Mazar in Thakurgaon were attacked in a month. In many places, local people are seen to have attacked these shrines after making announcements on social media. All this points to a worrying law and order and an inability on part of the authorities to ensure security for the shrines and the devotees.
The attacks on shrines are believed to have come from adherents to a puritan interpretation of Islam that interprets the culture that has grown centred on the shrines as un- and anti-Islamic. In some cases, the involvement of leaders and activists of political parties, including the overthrown Awami League, and various Islamic groups was reported. The incidents are, however, unacceptable and dangerous. The intolerance, moreover, serves political interests more than religious ones. It is understood that there is criticism against and objection to the shrine culture among people following a rather puritan form of Islam and certainly they are entitled to interpreting, practising and preaching Islam as they understand it. But, it is dangerous when such interpretation provokes attacks on shrines, which have a special place and significance for thousands of people who have their own interpretations of Islam, its rituals and their meaning. Moreover, there are differences, often irreconcilable, among the former section of people; the latter section of people also has a wide variety of interpretations and understanding. It is, therefore, hard to reconcile different sets of interpretations and practices, but it should not be difficult to show the basic human decency to live together as people have done for centuries.
The government and the law enforcement agencies must, therefore, provide security for all the shrines and, if needed, be stringent enough to deter further attacks. The Islamic groups and parties and society at large must also remain alert and speak clearly so that none can exploit people鈥檚 sentiments and persuade them to attack the shrines.
