Why Are Sufi Shrines and Spiritual Sites Under Attack in Bangladesh?

Advocate Shahanur Islam
In the heart of Bangladesh lies a spiritual heritage rooted in Sufi traditions that have harmonized communities for centuries. These shrines and spiritual sites, once beacons of tolerance and pluralism, are now under attack, with devastating consequences for the nation’s cultural and social fabric. Since the fall of the former government and the assumption of power by the interim government in August 2024, more than 100 shrines and spiritual sites have been attacked, vandalized, looted, and set on fire.

The rise in violence against Sufi shrines is not an isolated phenomenon but a reflection of broader ideological and political struggles. Bangladesh’s Sufi heritage, which champions inclusivity and coexistence, stands in stark contrast to the rigid ideologies of extremist groups that see such traditions as anathema. With political power in flux and ideological tensions high, these spiritual spaces have become vulnerable targets.

Who Is Behind These Attacks?

Radical Islamist Groups: Puritanical Islamist factions, emboldened by external funding and ideological support, are at the forefront of these attacks. To them, Sufi practices—such as shrine worship, music, and mysticism—are seen as deviations from their interpretation of Islam.

Political Exploitation: The political instability following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina’s government has created a vacuum that opportunists seek to exploit. Attacking spiritual sites becomes a means to undermine Dr. Yunus’s interim government, portraying it as weak or ineffective.

External Influences: Global networks promoting a rigid and puritanical interpretation of Islam have found fertile ground in Bangladesh. These entities view the destruction of Sufi shrines as a step toward reshaping the nation’s identity.

Why Now?

The timing of these attacks is critical. Bangladesh is navigating a sensitive political transition after decades of entrenched political rivalries. Dr. Yunus’s leadership, though internationally celebrated, has not been universally embraced domestically.

Ideological Conflicts: Sufi traditions of tolerance and inclusivity directly challenge the narratives of extremist groups. Shrines, as symbols of pluralism, become natural targets for those seeking to impose homogeneity.

Political and Governance Gaps: The interim government’s focus on economic reforms has left cultural and spiritual sites inadequately protected. Extremist groups exploit these gaps to further their agendas.

Implications for Bangladesh’s Identity

The attacks on Sufi shrines are not merely a religious issue but a threat to the nation’s pluralistic identity. Sufi traditions have long been the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s cultural ethos, fostering harmony among diverse communities. Targeting these spiritual sites signals a deeper unraveling of this inclusive identity.

Furthermore, these acts undermine fundamental democratic principles, including freedom of belief and minority rights. The rise of extremism risks silencing moderate voices, deepening societal polarization, and fostering a culture of intolerance. If left unchecked, this trajectory could have long-term consequences for the nation’s social cohesion and global standing.

Challenges for Dr. Yunus’s Government

As the head of the interim government, Dr. Yunus faces a Herculean task. His administration must navigate political divisions, economic restructuring, and governance challenges, all while being targeted by critics who view him as disconnected from grassroots realities.

While his focus remains on the investigation into the July killings, the cultural and religious dimensions of Bangladesh’s identity have not received adequate attention. This has emboldened extremist groups and left Sufi shrines vulnerable.

The attacks on these sacred spaces are also being used as propaganda by radical factions, portraying the Nobel laureate’s administration as ineffectual. Balancing the demands of economic reform, political stability, and cultural preservation is a daunting but essential task for the interim government.

The Path Forward

Protecting Sufi shrines and spiritual sites requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate threats and systemic vulnerabilities.

Enhanced Security: Law enforcement agencies must be mobilized to protect vulnerable shrines. Intelligence operations should focus on dismantling extremist networks responsible for these attacks.

Community Engagement: Local communities must be empowered to reclaim ownership of their spiritual heritage. Grassroots campaigns can counter extremist ideologies and foster unity around shared cultural values.

Educational Initiatives: Bangladesh’s rich Sufi traditions should be incorporated into curricula and public discourse to reinforce the values of tolerance and pluralism.

International Collaboration: While maintaining sovereignty, Bangladesh should seek international assistance to combat radicalization and fund cultural preservation efforts.

Long-Term Political Stability: The interim government must prioritize transparent and fair elections to restore public trust. A stable political environment is essential for addressing deeper ideological and cultural challenges.

Conclusion

The rise in attacks on Sufi shrines during Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s tenure is a stark reminder of the fragility of Bangladesh’s spiritual and cultural heritage in times of political upheaval. Protecting these sacred spaces is not just about preserving landmarks but about safeguarding the soul of a nation.

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The choices made today will determine whether the country continues its legacy as a bastion of tolerance and diversity or succumbs to the forces of division and extremism. As the interim government navigates these challenges, the world watches with hope that Bangladesh can emerge stronger, united, and at peace.

For the people of this resilient nation, the protection of Sufi shrines is not merely a political imperative—it is a moral one. Safeguarding these sacred spaces is essential to ensuring a harmonious future, where the values of inclusion and spirituality remain at the heart of Bangladesh’s identity.

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JMBF is an independent, non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France under registration number W931027714, under the association law of 1901. It is dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.