At least 3 individuals have been killed and over 100 injured in violent clashes between two factions of Tablighi Jamaat over preparations for the Bishwa Ijtema on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Gazipur.
The Saad faction has claimed control of the Ijtema ground and released video evidence asserting their dominance.
The conflict erupted around am on Wednesday (18 December), at the Ijtema site.
The deceased have been identified as Bachchu Mia, 70, of Pakundia in Kishoreganj, Belal, 60, from Beribadh, Dakshin Khan in Dhaka, and Taijul Islam, 65, of Bogura.
The injured have been taken to Tongi Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital and other medical facilities, with many reported to be in critical condition.
Witnesses reported that around 3 am, Sadar faction members began entering the Ijtema ground from the west bank of the Turag River via Kamarpur Bridge and other routes. As they approached, followers of the Zubair faction retaliated by hurling bricks and stones. The Sadar faction responded with counterattacks, culminating in a full-scale clash when they entered the field.
The violence claimed two lives at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
Senior figures from the Saad faction, including Muazz Bin Noor, have accused the Zubair faction of instigating the attack.
In a video message, Noor claimed, "We are now in control of the Ijtema ground. Three of our brothers have been martyred due to the Zubair faction's assault. Several attackers have been detained, armed with knives and blades."
The injured continue to pour into Tongi Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital and other facilities. Hafizul Islam of the hospital's emergency department confirmed the fatalities and warned that the death toll might rise.
The Officer-in-Charge of Tongi West Police Station, Iskandar Habib, stated, "So far, we have confirmed two deaths. The administration is working to restore order."
Tensions between the factions have been building over the World Ijtema, scheduled to be held in two phases next year - from 31 January to 2 February and from 7 to 9 February.
Preparatory events have already sparked disputes.
On 3 December, the Shura-e-Nizam group completed a five-day preparatory Ijtema.
The Sadar faction plans to hold their preparatory event on 20 December, a move opposed by the Zubair faction.
Both sides have held press conferences and rallies to assert their positions, reflecting the ongoing struggle for control of the Ijtema grounds. As of now, the situation remains volatile, with authorities urging calm.
