The government has taken full control of Tongi’s Biswa Ijtema ground in Gazipur following deadly clashes between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat that left four people dead and over 50 injured. Members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed around the area to ensure security and prevent further violence. Additional forces have been deployed on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway and Kamarpara road where suspicious people are being searched and interrogated. Who is Maulana Saad and what is the controversy around him? Despite the unrest, a few devotees, followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi stayed overnight in a tin-shed mosque on the western bank of the Turag River. They started leaving the area on Thursday morning. Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) N.M. Nasir Uddin said a public notice was issued on Wednesday prohibiting gatherings within a three-kilometer radius of the Ijtema ground. Devotees were instructed to vacate the area by the evening and the ground was cleared accordingly. The Ijtema ground will remain under government control until further notice. Four people were killed and 40 others injured in a clash between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat at the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi over the control of the venue early Wednesday. 4 dead, 40 injured in clashes at Ijtema venue According to Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan of Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP), the violence erupted when followers of Maulana Saad attempted to enter the venue, prompting a counter-attack by supporters of Maulana Zubair around 3 am. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

Four people were killed and 40 others injured in a clash between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat at the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi over the control of the venue early Wednesday. The deceased include Amirul Islam Bachhu, 70, from Kishoreganj, Bilal Hossain, 60, from Faridpur, and Tajul Islam, 70, from Bogura. The identity of the fourth victim remains unknown. Will hold long march to take control of Ijtema ground: Spokesperson of Zubair faction According to Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan of Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP), the violence erupted when followers of Maulana Saad attempted to enter the venue, prompting a counter-attack by supporters of Maulana Zubair around 3 am. The clash left four dead and 40 injured, with 35 people receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Seven of the injured were admitted. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable. Following meetings with both factions, he said discussions were going on, and the government was committed to resolving the dispute and providing medical assistance to the injured. The government has scheduled the first phase of Biswa Ijtema for Zubair’s followers from January 31 to February 2, while the second phase for Saad’s faction will occur from February 7 to 9. However, opposition to this decision has heightened tensions. Maulana Zubair’s followers demand ban on Maulana Saad's group Security measures have been intensified at the venue, with four Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) platoons deployed. Besides, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned gatherings, processions, and demonstrations in nearby areas. Maulana Mamunul Haque, a key leader of Zubair’s group, demanded that the government ban Saad’s followers from organising Ijtema gatherings, accusing them of collaborating with anti-Bangladesh forces. He also announced plans to file a case over the recent violence. Meanwhile, Mufti Amanul Haq, a spokesperson for the Zubair faction, threatened a long march to seize control of the venue if Saad’s followers do not leave. Home Adviser warns of strict action over Biswa Ijtema killings At a press conference at Kakrail Mosque, he vowed to seek the highest level of justice and declared that no Saad follower would be allowed to enter Kakrail Mosque in the future. In light of the escalating tensions, both factions have agreed to vacate the Ijtema ground temporarily, respecting the government’s request to maintain peace and avoid further clashes.

Two Biswa Ijtema devotees were killed and 11 people were injured when a covered van hit an auto-rickshaw at Shilmun of Tongi in Gazipur on Sunday (February 04, 2024). The deceased were identified as Jony, 18, son of Monir Hossain of South Sadharchar village in Shibpur upazila of Narsingdi, Sohel, 40, son of Kajal Mia of the same village. Read: 3 more devotees die at Ijtema venue  The injured were Firoz ,50, Jahirul Islam, 52, Jisan, 22, Zahid Hasan, 35, Iqbal Hossain, 55, Nazrul Islam, 50, Anisur Rahman, Md. Borhan Uddin,50 and Basir Uddin, 55 and two unidentified people. The condition of the unidentified victims was stated to be critical. Mostafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Tongi East Police Station of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, said the accident occurred around 7 pm before the Akheri. 

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said a survey is underway for extension of Dhaka Metro Rail from Uttara to Tongi. He said this after inaugurating the Bangabandhu Corner at the DMTCL Building in Uttara’s Diabari. The minister said the construction work of metro rail’s Motijheel to Kamalapur part will be completed by June next year.  With Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh Stations opening today, Dhaka Metro Rail ends 2023 with a milestone A decision will be taken after discussion on extending service hours of metro rail on different days including Ijtema and Boi Mela, he said. “From today, metro rail started operating from Uttara North to Motijheel from 7:10 am every day except Friday and the last train from Motijheel will leave for Uttara North at 8:40 pm,” he said. The headway during peak hours will be 10 minutes and during off-peak hours it will be 12 minutes.  Metro rail’s Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh stations to open Dec 31 “This afternoon, I will travel from Uttara North to Motijheel by metro rail. I also urge you to travel regularly on time-saving and environment-friendly metro rail,” the minister said. “Maximum facilities for passengers will be ensured in metro rail. Six lines of the metro rail will be operational by 2030,” said the minister. Dhaka Metro Rail extends service hours on Uttara-Motijheel route; here are the timings 

The second phase of the three-day Biswa Ijtema – the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj – ended today (January 22, 2023) with ‘Akheri Munajat’ (final prayer). Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Kandhalvi, son of Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi, conducted the final prayers between 12-12:30 pm. Thousands of devotees raised their hands seeking forgiveness and blessings for peace and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah. They also prayed for the country’s welfare. Read more: First phase of Bishwa Ijtema ends today with ‘Akheri Munajat’ As part of the rationalized traffic system, movement of vehicles remained suspended from 6 am this morning till the Akheri Munajat – from Bhogra Bypass to Addullahpur on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, Khamarpara Road, and Abdullahpur to Bypile on Ashulia Road. The metro rail will run from 8 am to 5 pm today for smooth movement of the devotees. Read more: 2nd phase Bishwa Ijtema: Metro rail to operate from 8am-5pm on Jan 22

The 2nd phase of three-day Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest global congregation of Muslims after Hajj, is set to end on the banks of the Turag river in Tongi on Sunday (January 22, 2023) through Akheri Munajat (final prayers). The 2nd phase of 56th Bishwa Ijtema began on Friday with "aam bayaan" (general sermons) after Fajr prayers with the participation of the followers of Indian Islamic preacher Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi. Devotees from home and abroad thronged the banks of the Turag river to take part in the religious event to seek divine blessings of the Almighty Allah. Also read: First phase of Bishwa Ijtema ends today with ‘Akheri Munajat’ Today, Indian Islamic scholar Maulana Yeakub Ali conducted sermon after Fajr prayers. Meanwhile, five devotees have so far died at the Ijtema venue during the 2nd phase as two more devotees died due to old age complications on Friday night and Saturday morning. Health camps were set up for the devotees to provide them with treatment like the previous years. Read More: PM postpones Scouts event for Bishwa Ijtema Meanwhile, the metro rail service will run from 8 am to 5 pm on January 22 for smooth movement of the devotees attending the second phase of the congregation. The first phase of the three-day Bishwa Ijtema ended on January 15. Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the congregation in Tongi since 1967. In 2011, it divided Ijtema into two phases to accommodate a large number of attendees. Read More: 2nd phase of Biswa Ijtema begins

The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema, one of the biggest congregations of Muslims in the world, in Tongi is continuing for the second day today (January 14, 2023) — drawing devotees in the lakhs. The three-day congregation began on the bank of the Turag river after Fajr prayers on Friday with sermons delivered by noted Islamic scholar Maulana Ziaul Haque of Pakistan. Several lakhs of Muslim devotees, both from home and abroad, are converging at the venue and attending the prayers — reciting the names of Allah and hearing the sermons. Also read: Biswa Ijtema: World's second-largest Muslim gathering begins Maulana Khurshidul Haque of Pakistan delivered sermons after Fajr prayers and Maulana Ibrahim Deula of India also delivered sermons in the morning. Maulana Iftar Zaman will deliver sermons in English. Devotees from different parts of the country are still coming to the Ijtema venue by buses, trucks, boats and on foot. Read More: Nagad sets up booth at Bishwa Ijtema The first phase of Ijtema will end tomorrow (Sunday, January 15, 2023) with Akheri Munajat (final prayers). Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation issues. The second phase of Ijtema is scheduled to be held on January 20-22 at the same place. Meanwhile, six devotees died in separate incidents at the Ijtema venue on Thursday, Friday and today. Read More: 1st phase of Biswa Ijtema begins Friday A mass wedding ceremony will be held today at the ground after Asr prayers. Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mollah Nazrul Islam said additional police personnel have been deployed in and around the Ijtema venue to ensure the security of the devotees. The venue has been brought under closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance. Besides, thousands of volunteers are working round the clock to make sure the event runs smoothly. Read More: Foolproof security measures taken ahead of Ijtema: IGP Several health centres have been set up at different parts of the venue along with beds and almost all first aid and other treatment facilities with doctors doing round-the-clock duties at each centre. Special measures have also been taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity during the three-day Ijtema. Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the congregation at the Tongi venue since 1967. In 2011, it divided Ijtema into two phases to accommodate a large number of attendees. Read More: Sylhet police asks Anjumane Hefazat-e-Islam to postpone their ijtema till after BNP’s rally

Dhaka commuters have been stuck in massive traffic jam since this morning (January 12, 2023) as a 22km long tailback has formed from Tongi Bridge to Moghbazar in the city. The gridlock stretched from Tongi Bridge-Abdullahpur-Airport to Mohakhali-Moghbazar areas of Dhaka — causing untold sufferings for commuters.  Vehicular movement in parts of Dhaka came to a standstill for hours due to the huge pressure of Ijtema-bound vehicles in Tongi. Read More: Air quality: Dhaka world’s 3rd most polluted city this morning

The daylong National Ranking Open Archery Tournament will be held on Thursday (July 21) at the Archery Training Centre of the Shaheed Ahsanullah Master Stadium in Tongi. Some 61 male and female archers will take part in the singles event of the recurve men's, recurve women's, compound men's and compound women's competitions.The ranking tournament will begin at 9 am on Thursday and the final matches will start at 12 noon on the day. Read: Archery World Cup: Bangladesh to leave for France SundayThe champion and runner-up archers of all the four events will be given a monthly allowance of Taka 7,000 and 5,000 respectively. .Eight archers have already receiving allowances on monthly basis.    

The 8-team Bangladesh Archery League-1, an annual event of the Bangladesh Archery Federation (BAF), begins on Thursday (June 9) at the Archery Training Centre of Shaheed Ahsanullah Master Stadium in Tongi. The competition will begin at 9 am on Thursday. A total of 22 men and nine women will compete in the Recurve Division while 25 men and eight women will compete in the Compound Division. READ: Archery WC: Bangladesh recurve men's team eliminated from pre-quarterfinal Men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles and mixed doubles of the Recurve Division while men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles and mixed doubles of the Compound Division are included in the league.   Participating teams are : BKSP, BKSP (Green), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Air Force, Army Archery Club, ASPT Archery Club, Bangladesh Police Archery Club and Narail DSA.