Authorities hear rumours of deaths in clash near tomb of 'Nural Pagla', but no confirmation

Authorities have been unable to confirm rumours of deaths in a clash between a “Tawhidi Janata” mob and devotees of Nurul Haque aka “Nural Pagla” after an attack on the local religious figure’s tomb and house in Rajbari’s Goalanda.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Ward No. 5 of Goalanda Municipality. Nurul’s body was dug up from his grave and set on fire by the “Tawhidi Janata”.

At least 22 people were taken to hospital after a clash prior to the burning of the body. Police, the local administration, and the Civil Surgeon’s Office say they have all “heard” about the deaths of two people, but none of them could confirm them.

Kamrul Islam, superintendent of Rajshahi district police, said on Friday night: “Like you, we have also heard rumours that one or two people have been killed. But, officially, we have no information on this.”

“We were at the scene when the incident took place. We rescued those who were injured and sent them to the hospital. We are still at the scene. We haven’t yet received a report on whether anyone has died.”

Asked about the incident, district administrator Sultana Akhtar said: “Like you, many others have asked me about this matter. But I have not received news of any deaths in Rajbari and Goalanda.

“Twenty-two people with injuries were recovered and sent to the hospital. Three of them received first aid at Goalanda Upazila Health Complex. The rest were sent to Faridpur Medical College Hospital. That is what we heard from the Civil Surgeon’s Office.

“I do not know if anyone died after that. You could possibly confirm the matter if you contacted Faridpur Medical College Hospital.”

District Civil Surgeon SM Masud said, “We sent 22 people injured in the incident to Faridpur Medical College Hospital. The conditions of two were critical.

“I have also heard that two people have died. But I haven’t received a police report on the matter yet. I cannot confirm it until I receive the report.”

Goalanda Upazila administrator (UNO) Nahidur Rahman says he cannot confirm the deaths either.

“Nural Pagla” – a man who had declared himself Imam Mahdi, an end times religious figure in Shia Islam – died recently.

The body of Nurul was buried in a slightly raised grave and a likeness of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, was put up there, sparking discontent among the “Tawhidi Janata”. The local administration attempted to find a solution between the two sides.

After the Jummah prayers on Friday, in accordance with a previously announced programme, the “Tawhidi Janata” gathered at the Shaheed Mohiuddin Ansar Club to protest. They then broke through the gate to Nurul’s house and tomb, vandalised the tomb, and set fires.

Police had been deployed in the area, but weren’t able to bring the situation under control due to the masses of people. Army and RAB personnel arrived later and managed to restore order.

The “Tawhidi Janata” retreated to a distance and continued their protest as Fire Service and Civil Defence attempted to put out the fire.

The Fire Service also took the injured to the Goalanda Upazila Health Complex.

The “Tawhidi Janata” then attacked again. This time they dug up Nurul’s body from his grave in front of the house, took it to the Padma intersection on the Dhaka-Khulna Highway and set it on fire.

Md Al Amin, a part of the “Tawhidi Janata”, said: “At one time, Nural Pagal claimed he was the Imam Mahdi. He had also claimed to be a god. His actions were against the Shariah. Pious Muslims cannot accept this. That is why the Janata vandalised Nural Pagal’s tomb. That is why we vandalised and burnt his house. We have also dug out his body from his grave and burnt it.”