United News of Bangladesh

Mufti Amanul Haq, a spokesperson of Tabligh Jamaat (Zubair faction), has threatened to start a long march to seize control of the Ijtema ground in Tongi if supporters of Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi do not vacate the site by tonight. At a press conference at Kakrail Mosque on Wednesday he also announced plans to take legal action over the latest killings. Mufti Amanul Haq said, "We will demand the highest level of justice from the government. The Saad faction is conspiring with the interim government. No Saad followers will be allowed to enter Kakrail Mosque until the Day of Final Judgment. From now on, there will only be one Ijtema in Bangladesh." Home Adviser warns of strict action over Biswa Ijtema killings "To avoid a direct confrontation between the two factions, we have decided to vacate the ground to respect the government's request to maintain peace and avoid clashes." Meanwhile, Abul Kalam Azad, another Zubair follower who was injured in the attack, said, "While we were asleep, Saad supporters attacked us. We had been working on Ijtema preparations, and most of our companions were resting after cleaning. “ Another injured victim, Mohammad Nazrul Islam said around 50-60 of them were on guard when the Saad followers attacked them. “I was injured on my cheek, and they beat on my arms and legs, causing swelling. I managed to escape through another gate." Nur Alam, another victim, said, "I have never endured such brutality. They struck me on the head, and I am still bleeding. We demand justice from the government and the punishment of the attackers." Violent clashes between the two groups that left two people dead and many injured on Wednesday. Authorities have tightened security in and around the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi to prevent any untoward incidents following the clashes. A large contingent of the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other forces, along with regular police, have been patrolling the area, reports UNB’s district correspondent from the scene. According to a statement from the BGB headquarters, four platoons have been deployed in the area. Despite the heavy security, a tense atmosphere persists there. Meanwhile, a meeting between the two groups was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs later today (Wednesday).