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Desecrated: The Khanqah Sharif in Rajshahi

Unruly crowd damages sacred khanqah, Haq Baba Gausul Azam Maiz Bhandari Gausia Pak Darbar Sharif, at Paba upazila in Rajshahi today (5 September), in the village of Panishail Chandrapukur, Bargarhi union, during the afternoon hours. The structure, built approximately 15 years ago by local...

Vandalism at the sacred Khanqah in Rajshahi
Vandalism at the sacred Khanqah in Rajshahi

Desecrated: The Khanqah Sharif in Rajshahi

In the heart of Rajshahi district, an unfortunate incident took place on September 5, as an agitated mob vandalized the Khanqah Sharif in Paba upazila. The targeted khanqah, named "Haq Baba Gausul Azam Maiz Bhandari Gausia Pak Darbar Sharif," is a significant religious site established approximately 15 years ago by local resident Azizur Rahman Bhandari.

The incident occurred during the daytime, marring the beginning of this year's three-day Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi event at the khanqah. Bhandari, recognized by his followers as a pir, claimed that some locals had been disrupting the annual event for several days, and that they tried to halt the event at the Paba Police Station the night before the attack.

The mob allegedly targeted the khanqah due to accusations of obscene dancing and drug use, though the specific individual responsible and the exact reason for the uprising were not detailed. During the attack, a tin structure at the khanqah was destroyed, causing significant damage.

In a concerning turn of events, Bhandari, the founder of the khanqah, expressed his intention not to file a complaint due to perceived lack of police protection. Paba Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam, however, assured that action would be taken if a written complaint is filed.

The khanqah is located in Panishail Chandrapukur village, Bargarhi union, Paba upazila, Rajshahi. Despite the unfortunate incident, the khanqah continues to host annual Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations, reflecting the resilience of its community.

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