Print: 28 Oct 2025
At least one person was killed and more than 100 others injured in fierce clashes in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila on Friday, centring on the burial of Nurul Haque, popularly known as Nural Pagla, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader who had controversially claimed to be “Imam Mahdi”.
The deceased was identified as Md Rasel Molla, 28, son of Azad Member from Pochajut Mistipara under Debgram Union. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital, confirmed Dr Md Sharif Islam, residential medical officer of Goalanda Upazila Health Complex.
The violence broke out around noon following a pre-announced protest rally organised by the Upazila Iman-Aqida Raksha Committee after Friday prayers. According to eyewitnesses and officials, an agitated crowd, many carrying axes, hammers, and sticks, marched from the rally at the Ansar Club premises to Nurul Haque’s residence in Ward No 5 of Goalanda Municipality.
Despite efforts by police, RAB, and local clerics to stop them, the mob stormed the compound, vandalised the darbar sharif, and set it ablaze. Several vehicles, including two police cars, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s (UNO) vehicle, and the Additional Superintendent of Police’s car, were also torched.
The protesters clashed violently with Nurul Haque’s followers, with both sides hurling bricks and stones. At least 100 people were injured in the melee. Many of the wounded were initially taken to Goalanda Upazila Health Complex, but due to the severity of injuries, they were later referred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
In a shocking escalation, the crowd forcibly exhumed Nurul Haque’s body from its grave, reportedly buried in a raised vault, and burned it near the Padma intersection, close to the Goalanda bus stand on the Dhaka-Khulna highway.
Goalanda UNO Md Nahidul Rahman confirmed the developments to the media, saying, “The agitated mob vandalised my vehicle, the Additional SP’s car, and the OC’s vehicle. Later, they attacked Nural Pagla’s shrine, exhumed his body, and burned it.”
He added that the situation was later brought under control through the combined efforts of the police, RAB, and army personnel. Nurul Haque, who passed away on 23 August, had established a darbar sharif at his residence and had a significant following. He was buried that night in a vault-style grave, raised several feet above the ground—a practice that drew widespread criticism from local clerics and Islamic groups.
The Iman-Aqida Raksha Committee condemned the burial method, claiming it was un-Islamic, and demanded that the grave be flattened. They also accused Nurul Haque of engaging in immoral and heretical activities. During a press conference on Tuesday, the group issued a 48-hour ultimatum for reburial, warning of protests if their demands were not met.
Meanwhile, the interim government has strongly condemned the desecration of the grave and the torching of the body of Nurul Haque Molla, widely known as Nural Pagla, in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila, describing the act as “inhuman and despicable”.
In a statement issued on Friday night, the government said the incident is “a direct affront to our values, our laws, and the very fabric of a just and civilised society.”
“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,” the statement added.
The government assured the public that the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted with the full force of the law. “No individual or group is above accountability. Immediate and tough legal action will be taken to ensure that those responsible face the consequences of their actions.”
Calling on all citizens to reject hatred and stand united against violence, the government urged people to uphold the principles of dignity, justice, and humanity.
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Violence erupts in Rajbari over Nural Pagla’s grave
Govt condemns body desecration as ‘inhuman’
At least one person was killed and more than 100 others injured in fierce clashes in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila on Friday, centring on the burial of Nurul Haque, popularly known as Nural Pagla, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader who had controversially claimed to be “Imam Mahdi”.
The deceased was identified as Md Rasel Molla, 28, son of Azad Member from Pochajut Mistipara under Debgram Union. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital, confirmed Dr Md Sharif Islam, residential medical officer of Goalanda Upazila Health Complex.
The violence broke out around noon following a pre-announced protest rally organised by the Upazila Iman-Aqida Raksha Committee after Friday prayers. According to eyewitnesses and officials, an agitated crowd, many carrying axes, hammers, and sticks, marched from the rally at the Ansar Club premises to Nurul Haque’s residence in Ward No 5 of Goalanda Municipality.
Despite efforts by police, RAB, and local clerics to stop them, the mob stormed the compound, vandalised the darbar sharif, and set it ablaze. Several vehicles, including two police cars, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s (UNO) vehicle, and the Additional Superintendent of Police’s car, were also torched.
The protesters clashed violently with Nurul Haque’s followers, with both sides hurling bricks and stones. At least 100 people were injured in the melee. Many of the wounded were initially taken to Goalanda Upazila Health Complex, but due to the severity of injuries, they were later referred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
In a shocking escalation, the crowd forcibly exhumed Nurul Haque’s body from its grave, reportedly buried in a raised vault, and burned it near the Padma intersection, close to the Goalanda bus stand on the Dhaka-Khulna highway.
Goalanda UNO Md Nahidul Rahman confirmed the developments to the media, saying, “The agitated mob vandalised my vehicle, the Additional SP’s car, and the OC’s vehicle. Later, they attacked Nural Pagla’s shrine, exhumed his body, and burned it.”
He added that the situation was later brought under control through the combined efforts of the police, RAB, and army personnel. Nurul Haque, who passed away on 23 August, had established a darbar sharif at his residence and had a significant following. He was buried that night in a vault-style grave, raised several feet above the ground—a practice that drew widespread criticism from local clerics and Islamic groups.
The Iman-Aqida Raksha Committee condemned the burial method, claiming it was un-Islamic, and demanded that the grave be flattened. They also accused Nurul Haque of engaging in immoral and heretical activities. During a press conference on Tuesday, the group issued a 48-hour ultimatum for reburial, warning of protests if their demands were not met.
Meanwhile, the interim government has strongly condemned the desecration of the grave and the torching of the body of Nurul Haque Molla, widely known as Nural Pagla, in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila, describing the act as “inhuman and despicable”.
In a statement issued on Friday night, the government said the incident is “a direct affront to our values, our laws, and the very fabric of a just and civilised society.”
“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,” the statement added.
The government assured the public that the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted with the full force of the law. “No individual or group is above accountability. Immediate and tough legal action will be taken to ensure that those responsible face the consequences of their actions.”
Calling on all citizens to reject hatred and stand united against violence, the government urged people to uphold the principles of dignity, justice, and humanity.