What led to the violent clash at Nurul Haque’s shrine in Rajbari?
On Friday, September 5, 2025, police arrested five individuals in connection with the violent Rajbari shrine attack arrests, which saw an assault on law enforcement and vandalism during a clash at Nurul Haque’s Darbar Sharif in Goalanda, Rajbari, Bangladesh. The incident, rooted in religious tensions, resulted in one death and multiple injuries, raising concerns about communal harmony.
The Rajbari shrine attack highlights escalating religious tensions in Bangladesh, a nation striving to balance diverse spiritual practices with social stability. Such incidents underscore the challenges of maintaining law and order amid ideological clashes, impacting South Asia’s broader narrative of religious coexistence.
Details of the Rajbari Shrine Attack
The arrests followed a violent clash at the Darbar Sharif of Nurul Haque, known locally as Nural Pagla, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader. On Friday, September 5, 2025, a mob under the banner of the Iman-Aqeedah Rokkha Committee attacked the shrine after Juma prayers, accusing Haque’s followers of un-Islamic burial practices. The attackers exhumed Haque’s body, buried on August 23, 2025, and set it alight on the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Padmar Mor, Goalanda.
The violence escalated when the mob clashed with Haque’s followers, resulting in the death of Rasel Molla, aged 28, and injuries to 22 others, including a journalist. The mob also assaulted police, vandalising vehicles belonging to the Goalanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the Additional Superintendent of Police, and the Officer-in-Charge. According to Md Sharif Al Rajeeb, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations), Rajbari, “Following the case filed over the attack on police and vandalism, we conducted drives last night and arrested five accused.”
Arrests and Legal Action
The five individuals arrested are Md Shafin Sardar, Md Masud Mridha, Hiru Mridha, Enamul Haque Jony, and Kazi Apu, all residents of villages under Goalanda municipality. A case was filed by Sub-Inspector Selim Molla of Goalanda Ghat Police Station on Friday night, September 5, 2025, against 3,000–3,500 unidentified individuals for obstructing police duties, assaulting law enforcers, and vandalism. The arrested individuals were set to be produced before a court on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Police are reviewing video footage to identify additional suspects involved in the Rajbari shrine attack. Goalanda Ghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Rakibul Islam stated, “We are trying to arrest the accused, especially by identifying them from the footage.”
Victim’s Family and Ongoing Investigations
Rasel Molla, killed during the clash, was identified as a follower of Nurul Haque. His father, Azad Mollah, demanded justice, stating, “My son was beaten with a hammer and slashed with sharp weapons. I want justice for his murder.” As of Sunday morning, September 7, 2025, Rasel’s family had not filed a case, though police encouraged them to do so. By the latest update, no case had been formally registered by the family.
The interim government condemned the incident, describing it as “inhuman and despicable.” In a statement by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, “This act is a direct affront to our values, our laws, and the very fabric of a just and civilised society. Those responsible will face the consequences.”
Background
Nurul Haque, who died on August 23, 2025, established the Darbar Sharif at his residence in Goalanda decades ago. His claim to be the Imam Mahdi in the 1980s sparked controversy, leading to protests and a temporary departure from the area in 1993. After his death, his followers buried him in a raised grave painted to resemble the Kaaba, prompting outrage from local clerics and the Iman-Aqeedah Rokkha Committee. Despite negotiations with the district administration, tensions culminated in the violent attack on September 5, 2025.
What’s Next
Authorities have deployed additional police, army, and Rapid Action Battalion personnel to maintain order in Goalanda following the Rajbari shrine attack arrests. The ongoing investigation aims to identify more suspects, with police relying on video evidence. The incident raises questions about preventing future religious clashes in Bangladesh, as the government vows to uphold the rule of law.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 7th, 2025
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