Dhaka, Sep 06 (V7N) – The interim government has strongly condemned the desecration of the grave of Nurul Haque Molla, popularly known as Nural Pagla, in Goaland, Rajbari, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a statement issued on Friday, the government said:
“The government strongly condemns the incident of desecrating the grave of Nurul Haque Molla alias Nural Pagla in Goaland and burning the body. This inhuman and despicable act is a direct insult to values, law and civilized society. Such barbarity will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The government is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the sanctity of human life.”

The statement further confirmed that those involved in the heinous crime will be identified and face strict legal action. “No individual or group is above accountability,” it said.

The Incident

On Friday afternoon, enraged members of the Tawhidi Janata group exhumed the body of Nural Pagla, who had controversially claimed to be Imam Mahdi, from his grave and set it on fire at the Padma intersection along the Dhaka–Khulna highway. The body was doused with petrol before being burned publicly.

The unrest began after Friday prayers when protesters gathered at the Shaheed Mohiuddin Ansar Club, demanding the demolition of Nural Pagla’s elevated grave, which was built in the style of the holy Kaaba. They alleged that despite repeated calls, the grave had not been lowered, although its color and the inscription “Imam Mahdi” had earlier been removed.

Tensions escalated when the angry crowd vandalized two government vehicles, including that of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, clashed with police, and stormed Nural Pagla’s residence and Darbar Sharif. Several structures were looted, vandalized, and set ablaze. Around 50 people, including devotees of the court, were injured and later hospitalized.

As the situation worsened, the army and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were deployed. Fire service teams faced resistance while trying to control the blaze. Ultimately, the protesters exhumed the coffin and carried the body to the highway, where it was set on fire.

Casualty Report

One person, identified as Russell Mollah (28), was reportedly killed in the incident, though the administration has yet to confirm the death officially.

Allegations Against Nural Pagla

Protesters accused Nural Pagla of blasphemy, claiming that he distorted the Kalima, declared himself God, and proclaimed to be Imam Mahdi. They argued that his burial on a 12-foot-high altar modeled after the Kaaba was a direct violation of Islamic teachings.

Police Statement

Rajbari Police Superintendent Md. Kamrul Islam said, “The situation is now under control. A peaceful rally was initially held under the banner of the Tawhidi Janata and the District Iman Aqida Raksha Committee. However, some individuals suddenly attacked the police, vandalized cars, and then moved towards Nural Pagla’s house, where they carried out arson and looting. Later, the body was taken away and burned.”

END/SMA/AJ