Published: 12:15 AM, 17 May 2026
TIB condemns attack on Shah Ali Shrine
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Saturday strongly condemned the attack on the historic Shah Ali Shrine in Dhaka, describing the incident as contrary to the core spirit and objectives of Bangladesh's independence and the July Movement.
The anti-corruption watchdog also urged the government to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible through a fair and impartial investigation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the attack reflected "the rise of forces opposed to Bangladesh's folk heritage" and continued acts of violence and conspiracy against pluralism, religious diversity and cultural diversity across the country.
He said, "There is no scope to consider this an isolated incident. Rather, it is part of a far-reaching plan to spread hatred and violence, destroy the spaces and means of practicing the liberal folk traditions and cultural diversity of the Bengali people, and strengthen communal forces. This is a grave warning for all citizens who uphold free thought and tolerance."
The TIB Executive Director further said the current BNP government was elected with overwhelming public support as a force representing the core spirit and aspirations of Bangladesh's independence and the July Movement.
Therefore, he said, alongside fulfilling expectations regarding the country's glorious tradition of multiculturalism, religious freedom, and coexistence of social, spiritual, and cultural diversity, it is the government's responsibility to prevent such destructive activities.
"We strongly condemn and protest the attack on Shah Ali Shrine and urge the government to conduct a fair and impartial investigation to identify those involved and ensure exemplary accountability through strict punishment. At the same time, considering similar past incidents, every such case must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice. Had there been even minimal examples of justice in previous attacks on Bauls, mystics, and shrines, the incident at Shah Ali Shrine could perhaps have been avoided."
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also said it is not enough for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami merely to deny the allegations of involvement by its activists.
"We call upon them and other religion-based political parties to clearly state their position regarding the core spirit of Bangladesh's independence and the July Movement, as well as the country's proud tradition of coexistence among cultural, spiritual, and social diversity. At the same time, we strongly demand that they adopt effective measures to restrain any leaders or activists of their party and affiliated organizations against whom allegations of direct or indirect involvement in this conspiratorial crime have been raised."
