Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Saturday strongly condemned and protested 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.

At the same time, in light of allegations of involvement, TIB called on Jamaat-e-Islami and other religion-based political parties and organizations to clarify their policy positions regarding Bangladesh’s folk heritage, cultural diversity, and the right to coexistence.

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The organization also demanded strict government action to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible.

In a statement, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said this shameless and cowardly attack reflects the rise of forces opposed to Bangladesh’s folk heritage during the tenure of the interim government in the post-authoritarian context following the bloodstained July Movement, as well as the continued violent and conspiratorial acts 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. Zaman 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.”

TIB stated that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every individual, regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste, belief, or practice, the right to preserve and practice their own faith, religion, and culture.

Ensuring this right is the responsibility not only of the government, but also of all political parties and organizations both inside and outside parliament. In this regard, TIB expects all parties to act responsibly.