Shrine Demolished During Annual Urs in Dhamrai by Radical Tawhidi Group

Local Correspondent

A shrine in Dhamrai Upazila was demolished during its 66th annual Urs celebration by a group of devotees. Locals reported that leaders and members of the Dhamrai Ulama Parishad, Dhamrai Imam Parishad, and individuals from nearby mosques and madrasas were involved in the incident.

The event occurred on Thursday night in Arjun Nalai village under Gangutia Union. The shrine, dedicated to the late Shukur Ali Shah Fokir (R.), was hosting its annual Urs, which included a Milad Mahfil, distribution of Tabarruk, and plans for a Baul music session later in the night.

Tensions arose in the evening when a group of worshippers gathered at a nearby mosque, objecting to the Urs and its musical arrangements. Around 8 PM, the police arrived and, citing potential law and order concerns, directed the organizers to halt the Urs. The event was subsequently canceled.

However, the group demanded the arrest of the organizers and their written commitment to cease such events permanently, a demand the police did not oblige. Shortly after the police departed, around 50-60 individuals entered the shrine around 10 PM and demolished it, including two graves, a tin-roofed house, and part of another structure.

Amid the chaos, the family of the late Shukur Ali Shah fled their residence fearing for their safety. Local residents reported that earlier in the day, over 100 individuals from outside the area had gathered at the mosque, using its microphone to condemn practices such as prostration and vows made at the shrine.

Shukur Ali’s wife, Amena Begum, recounted the ordeal, saying, “We have been hosting Urs for many years. Yesterday, we stopped the event when they objected. Later at night, they came and destroyed the shrine and our house. My sons and their families have left out of fear.”

The incident has left the area in a state of fear and tension as authorities investigate.