Violent clashes erupted between the followers of Maulana Zubair and Maulana Saad Kandhalvi over control of the Tongi Ijtema grounds in Gazipur, leaving three people dead.
In response, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has prohibited public gatherings, rallies, and protests in areas surrounding Kamarpur, Abdullahpur, Uttara Sector 10, and the south-western parts of the Turag River until further notice.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali, in a public notice, on Wednesday (18 December), invoked powers under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76) to restrict any form of assembly from 2pm on the same day to maintain public order in the affected areas.
The conflict began as Saad’s followers attempted to enter the Ijtema grounds to prepare for a five-day Jor Ijtema scheduled to commence on 20 December.
Maulana Zubair’s supporters, who were already stationed at the grounds, resisted the move to prevent their rivals from gaining access.
The violent confrontation resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
All the deceased were reportedly associated with the Tablighi Jamaat Bangladesh (Shura Nezam), said Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator for Maulana Zubair's followers.
In the aftermath, Zubair’s followers blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway at Mulaid in Sreepur upazila from 10am on Wednesday, demanding justice for the clashes and exclusive control of the Ijtema grounds.
The blockade caused significant traffic congestion along the highway, disrupting movement in the region.
As tensions escalate, law enforcement authorities remain on high alert, urging both sides to resolve disputes peacefully to prevent further violence.
