Ijtema: Saad supporters attempt to march to chief adviser’s residence

A faction of the Tablighi Jamaat, who are followers of the Indian preacher Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi, attempted to march to the Chief Adviser's residence this morning (19 November), demanding his participation in the upcoming Bishwa Ijtema.

Their demonstration started in front of the Kakrail Mosque around 9am, demanding permission for their leader, Saad, to visit Bangladesh. They then started rallying towards the Chief Adviser's residence. 

Police intercepted the group in front of the Chief Justice's residence, preventing them from advancing further. 

"Around 11am, they ended the demonstration after meeting with the press secretary of the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna," said Sohel Rana, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Ramna zone of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Eyewitnesses said that the Saad supporters gathered outside Kakrail Mosque early in the morning, reports UNB.

By 9am, the gathering had grown into a full-fledged protest, with participants chanting slogans calling for Maulana Saad's inclusion in the second phase of the Ijtema.

The Bishwa Ijtema, one of the largest Islamic congregations in the world, will be held in two phases: the first from 31 January to 2 February and the second from 7 to 9 February.

The call for Maulana Saad's participation in the second phase comes amid ongoing internal divisions within the Tablighi Jamaat.

In anticipation of the demonstration, security measures were intensified around the Kakrail Mosque, the Kakrail intersection, and the Chief Adviser's residence. Police forces were deployed to maintain order and prevent any escalation.