Gazipur Correspondent

Four people were killed and 40 others injured in a clash between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat at the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi over the control of the venue early Wednesday.

The deceased include Amirul Islam Bachhu, 70, from Kishoreganj, Bilal Hossain, 60, from Faridpur, and Tajul Islam, 70, from Bogura.

The identity of the fourth victim remains unknown.

According to Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan of Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP), the violence erupted when followers of Maulana Saad attempted to enter the venue, prompting a counter-attack by supporters of Maulana Zubair around 3 am.

The clash left four dead and 40 injured, with 35 people receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Seven of the injured were admitted.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

Following meetings with both factions, he said discussions were going on, and the government was committed to resolving the dispute and providing medical assistance to the injured.

The government has scheduled the first phase of Biswa Ijtema for Zubair’s followers from January 31 to February 2, while the second phase for Saad’s faction will occur from February 7 to 9.

However, opposition to this decision has heightened tensions. Security measures have been intensified at the venue, with four Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) platoons deployed.

Besides, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned gatherings, processions, and demonstrations in nearby areas.

Maulana Mamunul Haque, a key leader of Zubair’s group, demanded that the government ban Saad’s followers from organising Ijtema gatherings, accusing them of collaborating with anti-Bangladesh forces.

He also announced plans to file a case over the recent violence.

Meanwhile, Mufti Amanul Haq, a spokesperson for the Zubair faction, threatened a long march to seize control of the venue if Saad’s followers do not leave.

At a press conference at Kakrail Mosque, he vowed to seek the highest level of justice and declared that no Saad follower would be allowed to enter Kakrail Mosque in the future.

In light of the escalating tensions, both factions have agreed to vacate the Ijtema ground temporarily, respecting the government’s request to maintain peace and avoid further clashes.