Citizens’ Initiative expresses deep concern and outrage over the recent horrific violence in Goalanda, Rajbari. The public seizing of a deceased person’s buried body and setting it ablaze in the open is not only an act of barbarity but also a direct assault on the spirit of the July popular aspirations, on human dignity, and on the rule of law.
We must stress that the prolonged disputes and tensions surrounding Nurul Pagol and his dargah were not resolved, and it is the failure, negligence, and lack of effective action by the local administration, law enforcement agencies, and political leaders that precipitated this terrible outcome. Despite successive official meetings, the absence of concrete solutions, the failure to pacify public anger, and the unwillingness to ensure security are primarily responsible for this tragic incident.
We consider the handling of a deceased person’s body in this manner a grievous violation of basic humanitarian values and religious propriety. Administrative failure has encouraged sections of the public to take the law into their own hands, which is wholly unacceptable. That clashes and violence could not be prevented despite the presence of police and military personnel is a naked demonstration of institutional weakness.
We therefore demand swift and impartial identification and prosecution of everyone involved in the attack, and we insist that the responsible administrative authorities and law-enforcement officers be held accountable. At the same time, we call for immediate, neutral, and effective measures to safeguard local residents’ religious sentiments and to restore public order. Citizens’ Initiative further urges the state to adopt stronger, comprehensive steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Citizens’ Initiative believes that only respect for the rule of law and for human dignity can free society from the vicious cycle of violence. We strongly condemn this incident and expect prompt, visible action from the authorities.
Sincerely,
Taib Ahmed
Secretary, Citizens’ Initiative
PhD Candidate & Instructor, Colorado State University
Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chairman, Citizens’ Initiative
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University Qatar
