Barguna Shrine Targeted in Arson Attack During Religious Gathering

A shrine in Amtali Upazila of Barguna has been targeted in a vandalism and arson attack during the annual religious gathering, sparking controversy in the region.

The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday at the Ismail Shah shrine in the Bottola area of Amtali Municipality. According to Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Ashraful Alam, the attack was confirmed on Monday morning.

Reports suggest that tensions had been building as local residents had previously objected to the shrine's authorities hosting the annual religious gathering during the month of Ramadan. This disagreement led to a heated verbal dispute between the two parties, which escalated when a group of individuals gathered and launched an attack on the shrine. The attackers vandalized the shrine and set it on fire.

In response to the attack, Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Ashraful Alam immediately contacted local police and the fire service. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after, working tirelessly for nearly two hours to control the blaze.

"Upon receiving information about the attack and fire, I immediately informed both the police and the fire service," said Md Ashraful Alam. "Locals suggest that the incident stemmed from the controversy surrounding the annual religious gathering during Ramadan."

Mohammad Ariful Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Amtali Police Station, confirmed the attack was the result of tensions between the two groups, but emphasized that no official complaint had been filed as of yet. "The incident involved vandalism and arson due to an ongoing dispute," he stated. "If any complaint is lodged, we will conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate legal action."

The government has reiterated its firm stance on religious tolerance, reaffirming zero tolerance for any attacks on places of worship, and encouraged individuals to report any grievances.