Summary:
- A violent clash between Tabligh Jamaat factions led by Maulana Zubair Ahmed and Maulana Saad Kandhlawi over control of the Bishwa Ijtema grounds in Tongi left three people dead and over 100 injured.
- The conflict began around 3 a.m. on December 18, 2024, when Saad faction members entered the grounds, prompting violent retaliation from Zubair supporters.
- Victims include Bachchu Mia (70) and Belal (60), with many injured being treated at local hospitals; both factions blame each other for initiating the violence.
- Authorities have restored calm, with the Saad faction currently controlling the grounds, but tensions remain high amid ongoing disputes over leadership and event organization.
A violent clash erupted between two factions of the Tabligh Jamaat—followers of Maulana Zubair Ahmed and Maulana Saad Kandhlawi—over control of the Bishwa Ijtema grounds in Tongi, Gazipur, Bangladesh. The incident, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, December 18, 2024, has left three people dead and over 100 injured, according to local reports.
The confrontation reportedly started around 3 a.m. when Saad faction members attempted to enter the Ijtema grounds from various access points, including the Kamarpur Bridge. Supporters of the Zubair faction, already present on the grounds, responded by throwing bricks and stones. This escalated into a full-scale clash as Saad supporters forced their way into the area. Witnesses described scenes of intense violence, with both sides engaging in physical attacks.
Among the deceased are Bachchu Mia (70) from Kishoreganj’s Pakundia and Belal (60) from Dhaka’s Dakshinkhan area. The identity of the third victim remains unknown. Many of the injured were rushed to Tongi Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital and other nearby facilities for treatment. Senior hospital staff confirmed that a significant number of casualties had been admitted.
In a video statement, Muaz Bin Noor, a senior leader of the Saad faction, claimed that his group had gained control of the Ijtema grounds. He accused Zubair supporters of initiating the violence and stated that three members of his faction had been “martyred.” He also alleged that several Zubair supporters armed with sharp weapons had been detained on-site.
On the other hand, Habibullah, a media coordinator for the Zubair faction, disputed these claims. He reported that two members of their group had died and suggested that many more casualties might still be inside the grounds. He estimated that over 500 people had been injured in total.
Local authorities have since intervened to stabilize the situation. Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Iskandar Habibur Rahman confirmed that calm has been restored and that the grounds are currently under the control of the Saad faction. However, tensions remain high as both groups continue to accuse each other of instigating the violence.
The Bishwa Ijtema is one of the largest annual Islamic gatherings globally, held on the banks of the Turag River near Dhaka. It has long been a source of contention between these two rival factions within Tabligh Jamaat. Disputes over leadership and organizational control have led to similar incidents in recent years, including deadly clashes in 2018. Despite efforts by authorities to mediate between the groups, conflicts persist.
This latest incident underscores ongoing divisions within Tabligh Jamaat and raises concerns about security ahead of future events at this sacred site.
Source: Samakal
