Sufi Saint Faces Attempted Blockade of Annual Shrine Festival in Savar Amid Legal Dispute and Threats
Photo Collected
SAVAR, Bangladesh — Local authorities in Savar have intervened to mediate a growing dispute over a two-day religious festival, or Urs, scheduled to begin Wednesday at the residence and shrine of Sufi practitioner Kazi Jaber Al-Jahangir in Chakulia village, Bangaon Union.
The event faced opposition from a coalition of local religious leaders and political activists, including members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jubo Dal, Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, and Jamaat-e-Islami. The group submitted a memorandum to the Savar Upazila administration and local police on Sunday, formally demanding the cancellation of the festival.
Organizers allege that the opposition to the Urs is a retaliatory tactic linked to a pending legal battle. Kazi Jaber Al-Jahangir reported that his property was attacked, vandalized, and set on fire following the recent political upheaval in the country. His brother, Kazi Golam Rasul, subsequently filed a case with the Savar Model Police Station against 19 identified individuals and 300 to 400 unidentified suspects. According to the organizers, the accused parties are attempting to force the withdrawal of the case through intimidation and by leveling false allegations against the Sufi practitioner to incite local unrest.
Kazi Jaber Al-Jahangir stated that reconciliation talks held in July failed because the opposing parties refused to meet his conditions, which included public apologies for alleged defamation, financial compensation for damages, and the removal of a local mosque imam he claims was involved in inciting the previous attacks.
Representatives of the groups opposing the Urs expressed concerns regarding the nature of the teachings disseminated at the shrine. Aminul Islam Qasemi, organizing secretary of the Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka district (North) branch, argued that the content of the sessions could mislead followers, prompting their appeal to the administration for intervention.
Saiful Ibne Hasib Sohel, senior vice-president of the Savar unit of the BNP, maintained that his involvement in the dispute was motivated by a desire to preserve local stability. He confirmed that previous attempts to mediate the conflict proved unsuccessful, leaving the final decision to the administration.
In response to the mounting tension, Kazi Golam Rasul filed a general diary with the Savar Model Police Station on August 20, citing ongoing security threats. Police and local administrative officials conducted a site visit on Monday to consult with both factions.
Savar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Saiful Islam confirmed that the administration has granted permission for the event to proceed under specific conditions. He noted that while citizens have the right to practice their religion, the organizers must adhere to restrictions, including a ban on the use of high-decibel loudspeakers and a requirement to ensure that no antisocial activities occur or visitors are harassed.
Savar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saiful Alam stated that his office has issued strict warnings against mob interference. He emphasized that the police will take legal action against any party that disrupts the peace or fails to comply with the established regulations.
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