Archive · 29 Nov 2025
Islamist Extremists Threaten to Demolish Lalon Fakir's Mausoleum in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, some extreme religious groups are threatening to destroy the tomb of Lalon Fakir, a famous spiritual leader and poet.
They say the shrine is not Islamic and that people there do bad things.
Lalon Fakir's teachings were about unity and love, and his followers, called Baul singers, have been performing his songs for a long time.
But now, these groups are also attacking the Baul singers, saying their music is against their beliefs.
Many people are scared, and some gatherings have been canceled because of these threats.
Lalon Fakir's songs have inspired many famous poets and musicians, and his teachings are important to the culture of Bangladesh.
Islamist extremists in Bangladesh have threatened to demolish the mausoleum of Lalon Fakir, a 19th-century Sufi poet and spiritual leader.
The shrine, located in Chhauriya village, Kushtia district, is considered a symbol of cultural harmony and draws thousands annually for Lalon fairs.
Extremists allege that the shrine is a place of un-Islamic practices and have called for its demolition to protect their faith.
Recent attacks on Baul singers, who carry forward Lalon's legacy, have escalated since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Over 300 music gatherings, many honoring Lalon, have been canceled due to threats, and Baul singers are living in fear under the current regime.
- Who
- Islamist extremists, particularly members of Hefazat-e-Islam, and other radical groups like Tawhidi Janata and Alems-Ulama
- What
- Threats to demolish the mausoleum of Lalon Fakir and attacks on Baul singers
- When
- Threats issued on November 29, 2025, with recent attacks on Baul singers since August 2024
- Where
- Chhauriya village, Kushtia district, Bangladesh, and other locations across the country
- Why
- Extremists consider the shrine un-Islamic and Baul performances heretical, aiming to enforce orthodox Islamic norms
- Location of Mausoleum
- Chhauriya village, Kushtia district, Bangladesh
- Date of Threat
- November 29, 2025
- Organization Involved
- Hefazat-e-Islam
- Reason for Threat
- Alleged un-Islamic practices and idolatry
- Recent Targeting of Baul Singers
- Arrests and attacks since August 2024
- UNESCO Recognition
- Baul performances are recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- Lalon Fakir's Legacy
- Over 2,000 songs composed, influenced Rabindranath Tagore and others