Two killed in violent clash over control of ijtema ground

Two people were killed in a violent clash between the followers of Maulana Zubayer and Maulana Saad Kandhalvi of India over control of the Ijtema field in Tongi, Gazipur. The incident occurred around 3.00 am on Wednesday (18 December).

Furthermore, hundreds of individuals from both sides sustained injuries. They were rescued and transported to different local and Dhaka hospitals for treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Aminul Islam Bachchu Mia, 70, a resident of Egarsindur in the Pakundia police station area of Kishoreganj district, and Belal, 60, from the Beraid area of Dakshin Khan, Dhaka.

It has been reported that, in preparation for the Ijtema starting on December 20, followers of the Saad group tried to enter the Ijtema ground. The Zubayer group, however, had already positioned themselves there to block their entry. At the same time, followers of Saad were stationed on the west bank of the Turag River, to the west of the ground.

On the morning of Wednesday (December 18), followers of Saad successfully entered the Ijtema ground through the foreigner’s entrance gate. At that moment, the Zubair group, who were guarding the gates, started beating them. This triggered a confrontation, with Saad’s followers attacking the Zubayer group members who were sleeping in different parts of the ground. The conflict quickly escalated between the two groups.

Habibullah Rayhan, Media Coordinator of the Ulama Mashayekh's Consultative Council, Nezam-e-Shura, said, "Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis, and several coordinators had met the previous night at Kakarail Mosque to discuss ways to resolve the issue. Soon after, we received reports that followers of Saad had hired criminals from various areas and gathered both old and new supporters. They broke into the foreign tent at the Ijtema ground and attacked the sleeping followers of Saad. Many of our members were injured, and one of our members, Md Aminul Islam Bachchu Mia, was killed at the scene. Another person died shortly afterward while receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College. Many more of our members are currently receiving treatment at the hospital."

Iskandar Habibur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Tongi West Police Station, said regarding the incident, "I have received reports of a clash between the two groups at the Ijtema ground. The police have been deployed to the scene, and the situation is now under control."