The bomb was carefully buried in the ground
obviously escaping attention of security arrangements enforced in the area after
the fish-poisoning incident about a month ago. On night of 12th January 2004, a bomb blast
killed two people on the spot and injured hundreds who gathered for the annual
Urs (spiritual gatherings for the Mulims) of Hazrat Shah Jalal at the Dargah
premises.
52 of the injured were hospitalized, 3 of whom
are struggling for their life.
The bomb was carefully buried in the ground
obviously escaping attention of security arrangements enforced in the area after
the fish-poisoning incident about a month ago.
For almost 700 years this festival takes place
and it is a part of the local culture in which people of all religions and
vocations participate.
Dargah Shah Jalal is host to several other
harmless traditions, not exactly symbolizing religious ceremonies but revered by
common people.
About a month ago vandalism was committed in
the tank of the Dargah when a particular species of fishes (“Gajar
Mach”) were poisoned by some miscreants.
Despite the call for serious investigation of
the crime and obvious proof of poisoning the administration almost intentionally
neglected the issue.
On the contrary religious bigots such as Jamaati
preacher and notorious war criminal Delwar Hussain Saidi started
well-orchestrated propaganda against these traditions and in a gathering at
Sylhet Madrasha Maidan, on 2nd January 2004, urged innocent people to resist
these traditions considered by them to be “Haraam” and anti-Islam.