Sunday, 07 September, 2025
Police say one person has died after violent clashes broke out during an attack on the shrine and residence of self-styled spiritual leader Nurul Haque, known locally as "Nural Pagla", in Goaland, Rajbari.
The violence erupted on Friday afternoon in Juran Mollapara, Ward 5 of Goaland municipality, when a group calling themselves the “Tawhidi Janata” stormed the premises, vandalised buildings and set fire to the shrine.
Amid the chaos, Nurul’s body was dug up from its grave and later burnt in public.
Rajbari’s Superintendent of Police Kamrul Islam told bdnews24.com on Friday night, “One person has died in the incident.”
The victim was identified as 28-year-old Russell Mollah, son of Azad Mollah from Debgram Union’s Jatu Mistripara. He died while undergoing treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
Civil Surgeon Dr SM Masud said: “We sent 22 injured people to Faridpur Medical College Hospital. Two of them were in critical condition.”
DISPUTED GRAVE
Nurul Haque, who once declared himself Imam Mahdi, died on Aug 23 while being treated at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was buried inside the Goalanda Darbar Sharif compound in a slightly raised grave. The “Tawhidi Janata” claimed it was decorated to resemble the Kaaba.
The matter had led to demonstrations by the “Tawhidi Janata” in the area for the past few days. The local administration was trying to resolve the situation by speaking to both sides.
On Friday afternoon, after Jumma prayers, the situation escalated.
MOB DESCENDS, SHRINE TORCHED
According to police, hundreds of “Tawhidi Janata” members gathered at Shahid Mohiuddin Ansar Club before marching to the shrine.
They broke open the gates, vandalised the Darbar Sharif and set parts of it on fire.
Though police were deployed, they were overwhelmed by the size of the crowd. Army and RAB units were later called in to restore order.
Attackers then regrouped a short distance away to continue their protest as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze.
But the mob soon returned, exhumed Haque’s body, carried it to the Padma intersection on the Dhaka–Khulna Highway, and set it on fire.
Md Al Amin, a part of the “Tawhidi Janata”, told reporters: “At one time, Nural Pagal claimed he was the Imam Mahdi. He had also claimed to be a god. His actions were against the Shariah. Pious Muslims cannot accept this. That is why the Janata vandalised Nural Pagal’s tomb. That is why we vandalised and burnt his house. We have also dug out his body from his grave and burnt it.”
SP Kamrul confirmed that police and officials came under attack.
“After Friday prayers, the Tawhidi Janata gathered, some armed with local weapons. They attacked police vehicles and the UNO’s car, smashing them. Later, they attacked Nurul Haque’s house and set it ablaze. The situation is now under control.”
CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE
Locals say Nurul Haque first declared himself “Imam Mahdi” in the mid-1980s, prompting unrest that forced him to leave the area. He later returned and rebuilt a following.
He continued to attract disciples until his death last month, after which his burial site became the focus of escalating tensions.
As of Friday night, the atmosphere remained tense around the area. Reporters were unable to reach Haque’s relatives or followers for comment.
Attempts to contact them are ongoing.
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Police say one person has died after violent clashes broke out during an attack on the shrine and residence of self-styled spiritual leader Nurul Haque, known locally as "Nural Pagla", in Goaland, Rajbari.
The violence erupted on Friday afternoon in Juran Mollapara, Ward 5 of Goaland municipality, when a group calling themselves the “Tawhidi Janata” stormed the premises, vandalised buildings and set fire to the shrine.
Amid the chaos, Nurul’s body was dug up from its grave and later burnt in public.
Rajbari’s Superintendent of Police Kamrul Islam told bdnews24.com on Friday night, “One person has died in the incident.”
The victim was identified as 28-year-old Russell Mollah, son of Azad Mollah from Debgram Union’s Jatu Mistripara. He died while undergoing treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
Civil Surgeon Dr SM Masud said: “We sent 22 injured people to Faridpur Medical College Hospital. Two of them were in critical condition.”
DISPUTED GRAVE
Nurul Haque, who once declared himself Imam Mahdi, died on Aug 23 while being treated at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was buried inside the Goalanda Darbar Sharif compound in a slightly raised grave. The “Tawhidi Janata” claimed it was decorated to resemble the Kaaba.
The matter had led to demonstrations by the “Tawhidi Janata” in the area for the past few days. The local administration was trying to resolve the situation by speaking to both sides.
On Friday afternoon, after Jumma prayers, the situation escalated.
MOB DESCENDS, SHRINE TORCHED
According to police, hundreds of “Tawhidi Janata” members gathered at Shahid Mohiuddin Ansar Club before marching to the shrine.
They broke open the gates, vandalised the Darbar Sharif and set parts of it on fire.
Though police were deployed, they were overwhelmed by the size of the crowd. Army and RAB units were later called in to restore order.
Attackers then regrouped a short distance away to continue their protest as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze.
But the mob soon returned, exhumed Haque’s body, carried it to the Padma intersection on the Dhaka–Khulna Highway, and set it on fire.
Md Al Amin, a part of the “Tawhidi Janata”, told reporters: “At one time, Nural Pagal claimed he was the Imam Mahdi. He had also claimed to be a god. His actions were against the Shariah. Pious Muslims cannot accept this. That is why the Janata vandalised Nural Pagal’s tomb. That is why we vandalised and burnt his house. We have also dug out his body from his grave and burnt it.”
SP Kamrul confirmed that police and officials came under attack.
“After Friday prayers, the Tawhidi Janata gathered, some armed with local weapons. They attacked police vehicles and the UNO’s car, smashing them. Later, they attacked Nurul Haque’s house and set it ablaze. The situation is now under control.”
CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE
Locals say Nurul Haque first declared himself “Imam Mahdi” in the mid-1980s, prompting unrest that forced him to leave the area. He later returned and rebuilt a following.
He continued to attract disciples until his death last month, after which his burial site became the focus of escalating tensions.
As of Friday night, the atmosphere remained tense around the area. Reporters were unable to reach Haque’s relatives or followers for comment.
Attempts to contact them are ongoing.
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