Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly condemned the attack on the historic Shah Ali Shrine in Dhaka, calling the incident a direct assault on Bangladesh’s spirit of pluralism, cultural diversity, and the ideals of the Liberation War and the July Movement. The anti-corruption watchdog urged the government to conduct a fair investigation and ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible.

In a statement issued on Saturday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman described the attack as a “shameless and cowardly act” that reflects the growing influence of forces opposed to Bangladesh’s rich folk heritage and liberal cultural traditions.

He said the attack should not be viewed as an isolated event, but rather as part of a broader conspiracy aimed at spreading hatred, undermining religious and cultural diversity, and strengthening communal forces across the country.

“This is a grave warning for all citizens who believe in free thought, tolerance, and coexistence,” Dr. Zaman said, adding that violent attacks against shrines, Bauls, mystics, and other cultural symbols have continued in different parts of Bangladesh without proper accountability.

TIB also called on the government led by the BNP to uphold the country’s long-standing traditions of multiculturalism, religious freedom, and social harmony.

According to the organization, the government was elected with overwhelming public support as a force representing the spirit and aspirations of Bangladesh’s independence and the July Movement, and therefore bears responsibility for preventing such destructive acts.

The organization stressed that previous failures to bring perpetrators of attacks on shrines and folk practitioners to justice have encouraged repeated incidents of violence. “Had there been even minimal examples of justice in earlier cases, the attack on Shah Ali Shrine might have been prevented,” Dr. Zaman noted.

At the same time, TIB urged Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other religion-based political parties to clarify their stance regarding Bangladesh’s folk traditions, cultural diversity, and coexistence.

While noting Jamaat’s denial of involvement, TIB demanded that all parties take effective measures against any leaders or activists accused of direct or indirect participation in the attack.

TIB further emphasized that Bangladesh’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to preserve and practice their religion, beliefs, and culture, regardless of ethnicity or faith, and called on all political forces to act responsibly in protecting these constitutional values.

—