Dhaka, April 25: A deeply alarming pattern of violence against religious shrines has emerged across Bangladesh, with at least 97 shrines targeted since the July 2024 protests through the tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Incidents span vandalism, arson, looting, and coordinated mob assaults, with rights groups warning of a rapidly deepening culture of impunity. Despite the scale of violence, only 12 formal cases have been registered — raising urgent questions about state accountability and minority protection.

Spiritual Leader Hacked to Death in Kushtia

In the most recent and gruesome incident, Shamim Reza, a spiritual leader, was beaten and hacked to death at his shrine in Daulatpur upazila, Kushtia district, on April 18, 2025. The attack was triggered by rumours of religious blasphemy — a pattern increasingly weaponised to mobilise mob violence across the country.

This killing underscores a disturbing trend: shrines associated with Sufi Islam and folk religious practices have become flashpoints for ideologically motivated attacks, often with little to no legal consequence for perpetrators.

Scale of Violence: Data Paints a Grim Picture

According to a report published by the Dhaka Tribune, more than 100 incidents of attacks, vandalism, and looting were recorded at shrines across Bangladesh between August 2024 and April 11, 2025. The Dhaka-based Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) confirmed that at least 3 people have been killed and over 200 injured, including women, in these incidents.

The Sufism-focused research body Makam documented over 50 shrine attacks in the Dhaka division alone between August 8, 2024, and December 2025. Narayanganj recorded the highest number of incidents at 11, followed by Dhaka with 9. Other affected districts include Kishoreganj, Manikganj, Tangail, Gazipur, and Rajbari. These attacks resulted in 2 deaths and nearly 180 injuries.

In the Chittagong division, Makam recorded 27 incidents — 17 in Cumilla, 4 in Chittagong, 3 in Noakhali, 2 in Brahmanbaria, and 1 in Cox's Bazar. Historic shrines in Sitakunda and Hathazari were also vandalised during this period.

Near-Zero Accountability: Only 12 Cases Filed

Despite nearly 100 documented attacks, only 12 formal cases have been registered with authorities — a staggering accountability gap. In Dhamrai upazila near Dhaka, three shrines were attacked during the interim government's tenure. While three cases were registered, no arrests followed. One shrine has since resumed activities; the other two remain shut.

Analysts note that the near-absence of arrests, prosecutions, or judicial action has emboldened perpetrators and reinforced the perception that attacks on shrines carry no legal consequence. This systemic failure, they argue, is not incidental — it reflects deeper structural problems within Bangladesh's law enforcement and judiciary.

Root Causes: Ideology, Rumour, and Political Influence

Experts analysing the surge in shrine attacks cite a toxic combination of religious ideological differences, social intolerance, rumour-driven mob mobilisation, political influence, and local power dynamics. The use of blasphemy rumours as a trigger — as seen in the Kushtia killing — mirrors a pattern observed in previous communal flare-ups across South Asia.

Notably, the attacks accelerated in the political vacuum following the July 2024 mass protests that reshaped Bangladesh's governance landscape. Critics argue that the interim government under Muhammad Yunus failed to take decisive action against shrine attackers, allowing impunity to take root during a period of institutional fragility.

This comes amid broader concerns about the safety of religious minorities and Sufi communities in Bangladesh, who have historically faced periodic persecution but are now confronting an unprecedented wave of organised violence with minimal state protection.

Broader Implications and What Comes Next

The international community, including human rights organisations and neighbouring governments, is closely monitoring the situation. If Bangladesh's law enforcement continues to under-prosecute shrine attack cases, it risks emboldening hardline elements while alienating its own pluralistic religious traditions.

With over 85 cases still without formal registration and investigations stalled across the board, pressure is mounting on the Yunus-led administration to demonstrate concrete legal action. Rights groups are calling for a dedicated task force, fast-track courts, and community protection mechanisms for vulnerable shrine communities. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bangladesh can reverse this culture of impunity before it becomes irreversible.