Mosque rented for Jamaat women's training, locals protest

Tension flared in Damurhuda, Chuadanga, over a training workshop organised by Jamaat-e-Islami's women activists at the Damurhuda Model Mosque. The situation was brought under control following administration intervention on Saturday, July 11.

According to police and locals, Jamaat's women activists from various parts of the district began arriving at the mosque from Saturday morning. The matter came to light when worshippers arrived for Zuhr prayers at noon. Local BNP activists and residents informed the police and administration, leading to tension. Locals locked the main gate of the mosque, and scuffles broke out between both sides.

Police arrived and brought the situation under control, evacuating the women activists trapped inside.

Damurhuda Model Police Station OC Sheikh Md Mejbah Uddin said no prior information was given about such a programme.

The mosque caretaker, Md Shahjahan, said the local Jamaat women activists rented the mosque for Tk 3,000 for one day to hold women's training. He did not inform the UNO about the matter.

Damurhuda Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami General Secretary Md Abed Ud Doula Riton confirmed that a day-long training workshop of the women's Jamaat was held on Saturday.

Damurhuda Upazila BNP General Secretary Md Rafiqul Hasan Tani said locals chased away the activists after learning of the political training at a government religious institution.

Damurhuda Upazila Executive Officer Lovely Yasmin said, "I am the president of the Model Mosque. Why was I not informed or asked for permission regarding such a gathering of women at the religious institution?" She has ordered the mosque caretaker to submit a written explanation. The situation is now normal.