DHAKA, Jan 18, 2025 (BSS) - The interim government has taken a zero tolerance policy towards any attacks on the shrines.

All the police units have been ordered to investigate the cases stringently and arrest all those involved in the attacks on shines, the chief adviser's press wing said in a statement today, sharing a police report on the attacks on Shrines (Mazar/Sufi Graveyards, Dargahs) since August 4, 2024.

The government has attached the highest importance to the safety and security of the establishments-- Mazars and Dargahs-- in the country.

Bangladesh Police has received reports of 44 vandal attacks on 40 Shrines (Mazar/Sufi Graveyards, Dargahs) in some areas of the country since August 4, 2024. 

The incidents included vandalism and attacks on shrines and the devotees, looting of shrine properties, setting fire on the shrines etc.

According to the police report, the highest number of incidents was reported in Dhaka Division with 17, while 10 and seven attack incidents have been reported respectively in Chattogram and Mymensingh Divisions respectively.

Four attacks were carried out on a single shrine in Sherpur district under Mymensingh Division. 

Legal actions have been taken in all of the 44 incidents of attacks. These actions included filing of 15 regular cases and 29 general diaries (GDs) with different police stations on receiving complaints from the aggrieved persons or suo moto by the police.

A total of 23 perpetrators have been arrested in those criminal cases. Charge-sheets have already been submitted to the court in two regular cases. Investigations in 13 other regular cases and 29 GDs are going on now, according to the report.

The police have taken all appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of the shrines (Mazar, Dargah) across the country. All the aggrieved persons have been requested to file complaints with the police.

Steps have also been taken to solve the issues locally by arranging peace meetings with the confronting parties. 

Sensitisation programmes have also been emphasised keeping participation of mass people and Islamic leaders through community policing efforts, the statement read.