Violent clashes between two factions of the Tabligh Jamaat over preparations for the Bishwa Ijtema at Tongi’s Turag River bank have led to the deployment of four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to restore order.
The violence has claimed three lives, left over a hundred injured, and prompted a blockade of the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway by followers of Maulana Saad, who are demanding justice for the casualties on Wednesday (18 December).
Law enforcement personnel had reached the scene late at night following reports of the conflict, and by daybreak, an emergency was declared at the Ijtema site.
According to local sources, tensions flared around 3am when Maulana Saad’s followers began entering the Ijtema grounds from the western bank of the Turag River via the Kamarpara Bridge and other routes.
Inside the grounds, followers of Maulana Jubair retaliated by pelting stones.
This escalated into a violent confrontation as the Saad faction forced entry into the grounds, resulting in an intense clash.
Two people died on the spot, and over 100 were injured in the melee. Another individual succumbed to injuries at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
Iskandar Habib, OC of Tongi West Police Station, stated that the situation remains volatile, with army, police, and BGB forces deployed across the area to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, Maulana Saad’s followers have continued their blockade of the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway.
The Bishwa Ijtema is scheduled to take place next year in two phases: the first from 31 January to 2 February and the second from 7 to 9 February.
Preparations began with a five-day “Jor Ijtema” under the Shura-e-Nizam on 3 December.
Maulana Saad’s followers are set to hold their own Jor Ijtema on 20 December, which has been vehemently opposed by the Jubair faction, leading to the ongoing discord.
Both factions have engaged in press conferences, assemblies, and other activities to assert their respective stances.
Following a press conference by the Jubair faction, Maulana Saad’s group also issued statements explaining their position, further deepening the divide.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
