Govt hopes for peaceful participation of all Tablighi factions in Bishwa Ijtema: IGP
Referring to the death of multiple people in clashes between the factions recently, IGP Baharul Alam said, “Misunderstandings can happen among them. However, since both sides have agreed, we hope the Ijtema will proceed smoothly.”
The government expects all factions of the Tablighi Jamaat to participate peacefully in the Bishwa Ijtema, said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam today (29 January).
The followers of Maulana Jubaer will hold their part of the Ijtema from 31 January to 5 February. As for the remaining group, the followers of Maulana Saad, they will hold their Ijtema from 14 to 16 February," he said at a press briefing at the Ijtema ground at 10:30am today.
He further stated that differences of opinion are natural, and such differences have also occurred among the factions. "A very unfortunate incident took place, but in this context, both sides have shown great responsibility."
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In response to a question about whether the followers of Maulana Saad will be able to hold their Ijtema if they do not comply with the conditions set for the second phase, IGP Baharul Alam said, "We want the followers of Saad to organise their Ijtema. We still have a lot of time to discuss this matter."
On the clashes between the factions recently, he said, "Misunderstandings can happen among them. However, since both sides have agreed, we hope the Ijtema will proceed smoothly."
He also added, "There will be 10,000 volunteers with us at the Ijtema. They have been provided identification cards by the police."
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan said, "This year's Ijtema will have 16 watch towers. The security plan has been divided into five sectors. The entire Ijtema ground will be under CCTV surveillance. There will be 20 mobile teams and 20 checkposts."
He added, "From 31 January to 2 February, the movement of cargo vehicles will be suspended on the highways due to the Ijtema. A large number of security forces will be deployed this time. I hope everything will go smoothly. Drones and helicopters will also be patrolling."
Meanwhile, after the IGP's departure, Engineer Mahfuz Hannan, a senior leader of the Zubair followers, said, "If the Saad followers do not meet the conditions, they will not be allowed to hold their Ijtema under any circumstances. The people of Bangladesh will not allow them to enter the Ijtema grounds."
In a letter issued by the home ministry on 27 January, a condition was attached to the permission granted for the followers of Maulana Saad to organise their Ijtema on 14 February. The condition states that they will not be allowed to organise future Ijtemas at the Tongi ground after this event.
However, the Saad followers have rejected this condition. Their spokesperson, Abu Sayem, stated that they will hold the Ijtema on the scheduled date, but will not accept the condition.
