Govt bans Saad followers’ activities at Kakrail Mosque, Zubair supporters' gatherings
A copy of the order has been sent to Syed Wasiqul Islam, a prominent cleric aligned with the Saad faction
The Ministry of Home Affairs has prohibited all activities, including overnight stays by followers of Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi faction of Tablighi Jamaat at Kakrail Mosque.
This directive was announced in an order issued by the political wing of the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs today (26 December).
A copy of the order has been sent to Syed Wasiqul Islam, a prominent cleric aligned with the Saad faction.
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Read More: 4 killed, many injured as Tablighi Jamaat factions clash over Ijtema ground
Another order instructed followers of Maulana Mohammad Zubair to avoid large gatherings around Kakrail Mosque starting tomorrow (27 December).
Tablighi Jamaat in Bangladesh is divided into two factions - one led by Maulana Zubair and the other by Maulana Saad.
On 18 December, four people were killed and at least 50 others injured as the followers of Maulana Zubayer Ahmed and Maulana Saad Kandhalvi clashed in Gazipur's Tongi over taking control of the Bishwa Ijtema ground.
As per the government decision, the first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema, organised by Zubayer's followers, will be held from 31 January to 2 February next year and the second phase, organised by Saad followers, will be held from 7 to 9 February.
The two groups allegedly were in a dispute over whether Saad's followers would be able to hold a "Jor Ijtema" at the Ijtema ground from 20 to 24 December, a preparatory event ahead of the Ijtema.
Since the announcement of the Ijtema dates, clashes between the two factions have grown.
Tensions flared between two factions of the Tablighi Jamaat after five of Maulana Saad's followers were attacked on their vehicle on 12 December.
Since then, the groups have had confrontations sporadically.
