Tongi, Dec 18, (V7N) - Clashes between the followers of Maulana Jubayer Ahmed and Maulana Saad Kandhalvi have erupted over control of the World Ijtema field, resulting in at least three deaths and injuries to nearly a hundred people.

The violence began around 3 AM on Tuesday in the vicinity of the Ijtema field in Gazipur, Bangladesh. The victims have been identified as Bachchu Mia (70) from the village of Egarsindu in Pakundia, Kishoreganj, and Belal (60) from the Beraid area of South Khans, Dhaka. The identity of a third victim remains unknown.

According to locals, Saad's supporters began entering the Ijtema grounds through various roads, including the Kamarpara Bridge, from the western side of the Turag River. As they approached the field, Jubayer's followers inside the ground began throwing bricks and stones, which led to a violent counterattack. The situation escalated when Saad's supporters managed to enter the Ijtema grounds, triggering large-scale fighting. The clash resulted in multiple casualties.

Muaz Bin Noor, a prominent figure among Saad's supporters, released a video claiming control over the Ijtema ground, stating that three of their brothers had been martyred in the attack by Jubayer’s followers. He further mentioned that several of Jubayer’s followers were apprehended with knives and other weapons during the confrontation.

Hospitals in the nearby area, including Tongi Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital, have been receiving the injured from the Ijtema grounds. Hafizul Islam, a senior staff member at the hospital’s emergency department, confirmed the deaths and injuries, stating that three people had died and many others were injured. Some of the wounded continue to arrive at the hospital for treatment.

Mohammad Sayem, the media coordinator for Saad’s followers, reported that as of 8:30 AM, the fighting had subsided. He confirmed three deaths, two of which were identified, and stated that the situation had calmed down. He added that several people from Jubayer’s faction were being detained, and the army had been informed.

Habibullah, the media coordinator for Jubayer’s supporters, claimed that two of their followers had been killed and that they believed many more had died in the clash. He also stated that around 500 people had been injured in the fighting.

Tongi West Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Iskandar Habibur Rahman, mentioned that the situation at the Ijtema ground was now under control and peaceful, with Saad’s supporters in possession of the field.

This violent confrontation comes as tensions have been rising between the two factions over control of the Ijtema ground, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in Bangladesh.

END/SMA/AJ/