Barguna shrine under arson attack during religious gathering

Shrine attacked and set afire during annual gathering in Amtali. Photo- Collected

Barguna, March 17 - A shrine has come under vandalism and arson attack during the annual religious gathering in Amtali Upazila of Barguna.

The incident occurred at around midnight on Sunday at the Ismail Shah shrine in the Bottola area of Amtali Municipality.

On Monday morning, Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Ashraful Alam confirmed the matter.

It was reported that local people had prohibited the shrine authorities from organising the annual gathering during the month of Ramadan. This led to a verbal dispute between the shrine authorities and local residents. At that time, a group of people gathered and attacked the shrine, vandalizing it and setting it on fire.

After being informed, the Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer notified the police and the fire service. Fire service members arrived at the scene and controlled the fire after almost two hours.

Md Ashraful Alam, Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer, said, "Upon hearing the news of the attack and fire, I informed the police and fire service. Locals claim the incident occurred due to the organisation of the annual religious gathering during Ramadan."

Mohammad Ariful Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Amtali Police Station, said, "The attack, vandalism, and arson occurred as a result of a dispute between the two parties. No complaint has been filed. If any complaint is received, legal action will be taken after an investigation." - UNB