Believers in Bangladesh Threatened by Extremists - Flyers Burned in Hate Crime

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light condemns the harassment and intimidation faced by Sabirul Islam and Mustafa Kawsar, two members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, while peacefully distributing religious materials in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The two men were targeted by a group of almost fourty individuals, including a local imam, while placing posters about their faith in the Bashundhara residential area on the night of February 11, 2025.

According to eyewitness accounts, the men had been affixing posters in various locations when they were approached by a middle-aged man who began questioning them aggressively. Upon seeing the Star of David he became visibly agitated and demanded they stop their activities. When Shoaib Al Al-Mahdi explained the religious significance of the symbol, the man rejected his explanation and began inciting others against them.

The situation quickly escalated, drawing a crowd of approximately 30 to 40 people, including the imam of a nearby mosque. Members of the group subjected Sabirul Islam and Mustafa Kawsar to verbal abuse, accusations, and threats. They questioned the legitimacy of their faith, mocked their beliefs, and insinuated that they were acting on behalf of foreign entities, particularly Israel. Some individuals demanded to know how much money they had allegedly received for their activities and attempted to confiscate and burn their materials.

The men also faced religious interrogation, with the imam questioning their understanding of the concept of the Mahdi and their prayer practices. The crowd’s hostility intensified when Sabirul Islam attempted to record the confrontation on his phone, leading to direct threats against him. Fearing for their safety, the men refrained from documenting the incident.

As tensions rose, the mob openly discussed handing the two over to the police. It was only due to the intervention of an unknown individual that Sabirul Islam and Mustafa were able to leave the scene unharmed, though threats continued as they departed.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has faced increasing levels of persecution and discrimination, particularly in regions where religious intolerance is prevalent. This latest incident in Dhaka underscores the broader challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, where blasphemy accusations and religious intolerance have been used to justify violence and suppression.