Those responsible for the killing of two Tabligh followers at the Bishwa Ijtema ground would not be spared, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (18 December).
“My brothers [victims] filed cases today. We will ensure that the real culprits are brought to justice,” he said while talking to reporters after separate meetings with the followers of Maulana Saad and Maulana Zubayer at the Secretariat this afternoon.
He added that discussions between the two groups were going on, and if an agreement is reached, the government will take a decision.
The adviser also mentioned that the government is prepared to provide medical assistance to the injured, if necessary.
Earlier, a delegation from the Saad group held a meeting with five advisers led by Jahangir Alam, followed by a meeting with Zubayer group.
In accordance with the government’s previous decision, the first phase of Bishwa Ijtema, organised by Zubair’s followers, will be held from 31 January to 2 February, while the second phase, led by Saad’s followers, is scheduled from 7-9 February.
Although the government has allowed Saad’s group to host the first phase, the opposing faction has refused to accept the decision, escalating tensions between the two groups.
Ahead of their “Jor Ijtema,” set to take place from 20-24 December, Saad’s followers began entering the ground. However, sensing their presence, Zubair’s followers reportedly attacked them around 3am today.
In retaliation, Saad’s supporters, attempting to gain access to the ground, launched a counter-attack. The clash resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries.
Officer-in-Charge of Tongi West Police Station Iskandar Habibur Rahman confirmed the deaths, saying that several injured people were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Locals claimed that as Saad’s supporters entered the ground, the police stationed at the Ijtema site withdrew, positioning themselves on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to the east.
