Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Mahfuz Alam has warned that while the July uprising eliminated political fascism in Bangladesh, social and cultural fascism continues to persist.

Speaking as the chief guest at a national dialogue on “Mazar Culture: Violence, Crisis, and Future Perspectives” at the Dr. Shamsul Alam Khan Milon Hall of the BMA Building in Topkhana Road, Dhaka, he stressed that dialogue among all communities—including those around mazars and religious centers—is essential for the welfare of the state.

Mahfuz noted that certain political parties have become intertwined with social and cultural fascism, particularly in the context of political activities conducted in the name of Islam without respect for the religion’s historical and cultural heritage. He warned that retaliatory attacks against mazars and dargahs over the past year could undermine state stability and called for all forms of violence to be stopped immediately.

The dialogue was organized by Makam: Center for Sufi Heritage and moderated by Imran Hussain Tushar and Mizanur Rahman. Key speakers included Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dr. Ayatul Islam, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, lawyer and media personality Manzur Al Matin, The Descent editor and fact-checker Kadruddin Shishir, poet and critic Imrul Hasan, writers and researchers Sahul Ahmad and Tahmidul Jami, researcher Bhuiya Mohammad Asaduzzaman, editors, journalists, poets, and representatives from mazars across the country.

Dr. Ayatul Islam highlighted that Bangladesh is the land of saints where people of all faiths coexist, noting the cultural importance of visiting the mazars of Hazrat Shahjalal, Shah Paran, and other saints. He expressed concern that this culture is gradually eroding and urged that post-July uprising, people of all communities live together in peace and harmony.

Nasiruddin Patwari called for breaking the taboo around discussing violence at mazars and emphasized the need to establish Sufi institutions to contribute to state policymaking. He also suggested forming an independent commission to investigate post-August 5 attacks.

Lawyer Manzur Al Matin said, “The Quran is pure and sacred, yet some are attacking mazars in its name, causing serious social and cultural disruption. If this crisis is not addressed quickly, Bangladesh’s social and cultural fabric will face further deterioration.”

The event opened with a keynote presentation by Mizanur Rahman, highlighting that mazar culture is an integral part of Bangladesh’s national heritage, now under threat from organized attacks. A documentary depicting post-August 5 violence at mazars was also screened.