Attack on Nurul Paglar’s Shrine: Eight Accused Confess in Court

In Gopalganj’s Goalanda, a high-profile incident at the shrine of Nurul Haque, also known as Nurul Paglar (85), has led to multiple criminal investigations. The events involved an attack on the shrine, vandalism, looting, arson, assaults on police, and vehicle damage. So far, the police have arrested a total of 24 individuals in connection with two separate cases, of whom eight have confessed in court under Section 164.

Among the arrested individuals are:

• Two mosque imams
• Two local leaders of Chhatra League and Swechchhasebak League

On the evening of Monday, 15 September, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime & Ops) Md. Sharif Al Rajib confirmed the arrests. He stated: “Eight individuals have confessed in court regarding the shrine attack, which involved vandalism, arson, looting, murder, and burning of corpses. Another sixteen were arrested for attacking police and damaging vehicles, bringing the total number of detainees to twenty-four. Operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.”

Superintendent of Police, Gopalganj, Md. Kamrul Islam, added that those involved in attacks on police personnel and the exhumation of corpses are being apprehended. Based on verified information, video footage, and preliminary evidence, all suspects involved in these crimes will be brought under legal action.

He further warned: “Any attempt to influence the investigation or exert unethical pressure will also be dealt with under the law.”

Two separate cases were registered following the shrine attack, involving:

• Police vehicle vandalism
• Attack and destruction at the shrine
• Looting of property
• Exhumation and burning of corpses

Timeline of legal actions:

Background of the Incident

• 23 August 2025: Nurul Haque, also known as Nurul Paglar, passed away.
• His followers buried him inside the shrine and constructed a 10–12 foot structure above the grave, which some locals claim resembles the Kaaba in Mecca.
• Tensions escalated in the area over several days.

5 September 2025 Incident:

• Following Friday prayers, hundreds of people attacked the shrine, exhumed Nurul Paglar’s body, and set it on fire.
• Clashes ensued between Paglar’s followers and local residents under the banner of the “Iman-Akida Rakhya Committee”, resulting in one death and 22 injuries, including journalists.
• Protesters damaged vehicles belonging to the UNO, Additional Superintendent of Police, and Goalanda Ghat police station officer-in-charge.
• Five police personnel and two administrative officers were injured due to stone-throwing and assaults.

Police operations continue to apprehend remaining suspects, while the judicial process moves forward with eight accused having already confessed. The authorities have emphasised that any interference in the investigation will be legally prosecuted, underscoring the seriousness with which the incidents are being handled.