Three people have been killed in clashes between two groups over the occupation of the Biswa Ijtema ground. In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has prohibited all forms of assemblies, rallies, processions, protests, and demonstrations in Kamarpura, Abdullahpur, Uttara Sector-10, and adjacent areas of the southwest Turag River until further notice.
This was confirmed to the media by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Wednesday (18 December).
In a public notice signed by the DMP Commissioner, it was stated: "To inform the public, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has invoked the authority granted under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76) to maintain public order in light of the recent developments. Effective from 2 pm on Wednesday, December 18, all forms of assemblies, rallies, processions, protests, and demonstrations are prohibited in Kamarpura, Abdullahpur, Uttara Sector-10, and adjacent areas of the southwest Turag River until further notice."
Local sources revealed that ahead of the upcoming Biswa Ijtema, followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi attempted to enter the Ijtema grounds for a five-day pre-event gathering scheduled to start on December 20. To prevent them from entering, followers of Maulana Jubair had already occupied the grounds.
Meanwhile, Jubair's followers have blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, demanding justice for a clash between the two groups in Gazipur and the handover of the Ijtema grounds to them. The blockade took place around 10 am on Wednesday in the Mulaid Rural Electricity area of Sreepur Upazila, disrupting traffic and causing severe congestion.
In response to the clashes over the Ijtema grounds in Tongi, security measures have been tightened around Kakrail Mosque and Dhaka Medical College Hospital by police and RAB. Additionally, four platoons of BGB have been deployed at the scene since the morning.
The conflict between the two groups erupted at 3 am on Wednesday (December 18). The officer-in-charge (OC) of Tongi West Police Station, Habib Iskander, confirmed that three people were killed in the incident on Wednesday morning.
The deceased are:
- Bachchu Mia (70) from Egarosindu area of Pakundia Police Station, Kishoreganj
- Belal (60) from the Berait area of Dakshinkhan, Dhaka
- Mohammad Tajul Islam (65) from Bogura
Additionally, 40 injured individuals are receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
In the wake of these events, Maulana Saad Kandhalvi's followers have decided to vacate the Ijtema grounds. Once they leave, the government will take over responsibility for the grounds.
This information was shared by Maulana Reza Arif, a follower of Maulana Saad, following a meeting with five government advisers at the Ministry of Home Affairs conference room on Wednesday (December 18).
