Kushtia 'pir' laid to rest

The burial of self-proclaimed spiritual leader (pir) Shamim Jahangir, known as the head of a local shrine, was completed under tight security in Kushtia's Daulatpur upazila. 

Additional police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were deployed across the area to prevent any untoward incident.

He was buried on Sunday at around 5:30 PM at West South cemetery of Philipnagar West village in the upazila. 

Earlier, his funeral prayer was held under strict security measures in the presence of law enforcement agencies.

Local sources said security was significantly strengthened around the burial site, with police and BGB maintaining close surveillance throughout the proceedings. 

The attendance at the burial was mostly limited to family members and close associates.

Earlier in the day, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Khulna Range Sheikh Joynuddin visited the site around 11 AM. Kushtia Superintendent of Police Md. Jasim Uddin PPM (Bar) and other senior police officials were also present during the visit. 

On Saturday night, local Member of Parliament Reza Ahmed Bachchu Molla inspected the area and urged law enforcement agencies to prevent any further unrest. 

Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Touhid Bin Hasan also visited the scene on Saturday evening.

The incident sparked mixed reactions among local residents.

According to reports, tensions escalated in the area following a controversial statement allegedly made regarding the Quran by Shamim Jahangir. 

The issue led to widespread criticism and unrest in the locality. 

A group of people brought out a protest procession before storming the shrine. The attackers assaulted Shamim Reza with sharp weapons and beat him indiscriminately, leaving him critically injured.

He later died from his injuries. Several others present at the site, including followers, were also injured.

During the attack, the mob vandalized the premises and set parts of it on fire.

As of Sunday , no case had been officially filed, although Daulatpur Police Station officer-in-charge (OCC) Md. Arifur Rahman said preparations were underway to file a case.

SI/SH