Tensions rise ahead of World Ijtema: Saad’s followers claim discrimination over conditions imposed by government

As the third phase of the World Ijtema approaches, tensions are growing between the supporters of Maulana Saad and Maulana Jubayer’s faction. 

Maulana Saad’s followers have raised concerns over conditions imposed by the government, claiming they are being treated unfairly.

On the other hand, Maulana Jubayer‍‍`s supporters have accused Saad‍‍`s faction of ignoring government orders. 

However, many regular Tabligh participants are hoping for unity and a peaceful gathering without any division.

This year, the Ijtema will be divided into two phases. Maulana Jubayer‍‍`s followers will hold their event first, followed by Maulana Saad‍‍`s group. 

Both factions are preparing to gather at the Turag river in Tongi for their respective sessions.

A new notification from the Department of Public Security, issued on Tuesday, has added to the controversy. 

The notice states that Maulana Saad’s group can hold their Ijtema this year, but they will not be allowed to organize the event at Tongi in the future unless they accept certain conditions. 

The Saad faction, however, has rejected these conditions.

Maulana Saad’s followers are busy preparing for the Ijtema, which is set for February 14 to 16. 

They believe the government’s decision is discriminatory. 

At the same time, Maulana Jubayer’s supporters are criticizing them for not following the government’s instructions.

Mohammad Sayem, the media coordinator for Maulana Saad’s faction, expressed, 

“This is a discriminatory decision. Since this government is supposed to stand against discrimination, people across the country have high hopes that under this government, no one will be subjected to discrimination.”

Habibullah Rayhan, the media coordinator for Maulana Jubayer’s faction, explained, 

“If the Saad supporters agree to hold their Ijtema this year with the understanding that they won’t hold it again at Tongi in the future, they can proceed. That’s what the notification says. Since they are unwilling to accept this condition and still want to go ahead with the Ijtema, I can say that the Saad faction’s Ijtema is uncertain at this point. They seem to want a confrontation with the government.”

Despite the growing divide between the two factions, many regular attendees of the Tabligh movement are calling for unity and a resolution to the situation.

One participant shared their concerns, saying, 

“We do not want any division. We want everyone to work together. Division has caused a lot of harm to the Ummah. We seek a solution, not division.”

On the security front, the police have assured that they will provide adequate protection for Maulana Saad’s followers during the Ijtema.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police‍‍`s DC (Crime), N H Nasir Uddin, assured the public,

“We have implemented extensive security measures this time, more than in any past occasions. We will continue to enhance these security measures in the future.”

The followers of Maulana Jubayer are set to hand over the field to the authorities on Thursday. 

Meanwhile, Maulana Saad’s followers will take control of the field on Saturday.