Staff Reporter:
The interim government has pledged immediate and tough legal action against those responsible for the “vile” torching of the body of Nurul Haque Molla, also known as Nural Pagla, at Goalanda upazila, Rajbari on Friday.
It will be ensured that the perpetrators face the consequences of their actions, the government said in a statement published on the Chief Adviser’s official facebook page on Friday.
The government strongly condemns the abhorrent desecration of the grave, it said adding, “the inhuman and despicable act is a direct affront to our values, our laws, and the very fabric of a just and civilised society.”
The government further says: “Such acts of barbarity will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The Interim Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and preserving the sanctity of every human life, both in life and in death.
“We assure the public that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be identified and brought to justice with the full force of the law. No individual or group is above accountability.
“We call on all citizens to reject hatred, stand united against violence, and uphold the principles of dignity, justice, and humanity.”
Nurul, who claimed to be Imam Mahdi and later even God, established a Darbar Sharif at his residence. He died of age-related illness on 23 August. His burial — 12 feet above the ground and painted in the pattern of the Holy Kaaba — drew fierce criticism from Tawhidi Janata, who accused his followers of anti-Islamic practices.
Later, in keeping with the Tawhidi Janata’s demand, Nural Pagla’s followers made adjustments to the grave including removing the signboard: “Imam Mahdi Darbar Sharif.”
And yet, on Friday, a mob marched towards the Darbar and clashed with its followers, who resisted with brickbats, causing injuries to over 50 people, including five policemen and two administration officials, according to Dr Kaushik Kumar Das of Goalanda Upazila Health Complex.
The mob vandalised Nural’s house and Darbar Sharif, set them ablaze, and dug up his body before burning it near the Padma river bend.
Police, RAB and army managed to contain the situation after hours.
