Thousands of Islamic scholars, clerics, and followers have gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan and the surrounding areas in the heart of Dhaka to attend a major Islamic conference today, Tuesday, which started at 9 AM and is expected to end by 1 PM.
The conference is being held to discuss the future of traditional Islamic schools, known as Qawmi madrasas, and to defend Islamic values in the country.
The event has been organized by *Ulama Mashayekh Bangladesh*, a group of leading Islamic scholars and religious leaders from around the country.
They have invited people to join the conference to show their support for the preservation of the traditional ways of teaching Islam and to discuss important issues related to the faith.
The conference is also a response to the growing influence of Maulana Mohammad Saad Kandhalvi`s followers from the Delhi-based Tablighi Jamaat, who have been in conflict with local groups over the leadership of the movement.
Opposition to Saad`s Leadership
One of the main topics discussed at the conference is the ongoing leadership dispute within the Tablighi Jamaat.
The followers of the late Maulana Jubairul Hassan, a respected cleric in Bangladesh, have gathered today to oppose Maulana Saad`s leadership.
The speakers at the event made it clear that they believe the Ijtema (a major religious gathering) in Bangladesh should only happen once, not multiple times.
They also stated that followers of Maulana Saad should not be allowed entry to the Ijtema grounds or the Kakrail Mosque in Dhaka, which is considered a key place of worship for Tablighi Jamaat followers in Bangladesh.
A Sea of People at Suhrawardy Udyan
The atmosphere around Suhrawardy Udyan was charged with energy as people began arriving early in the morning, even before the Fajr prayer.
By the time the conference officially began, the park was packed with people, and the surrounding streets were also filled with attendees.
Areas like the TSC (Teacher-Student Centre) of Dhaka University, Shahbagh, and the road leading from Shahbagh to Motsobhaban were crowded with supporters of the conference.
People continued to arrive from different parts of the country as the morning went on, with many traveling long distances to be part of this important event.
Concerns About Fake Movements
During the conference, the speakers expressed deep concerns about what they called “fake” religious movements that have been gaining popularity.
They warned that people should not accept these movements, which they believe are misleading and against the true teachings of Islam.
The scholars also criticized the government for allowing these movements to grow, saying it is the government`s responsibility to prevent such groups from spreading.
They accused some individuals of aligning with fascist groups and trying to influence the government, which they said should be stopped at all costs.
Call for Unity and Resistance
The main message of the conference was one of unity among the followers of traditional Islam and resistance against any movement that they believe threatens the religious values of the country.
The scholars called on all Muslims to stand firm in defending their beliefs and to reject any attempts to change the true practices of Islam.
The leaders emphasized the importance of working together to protect the religious schools and institutions that have been the backbone of Islamic education in Bangladesh.
Prominent Religious Leaders Support the Conference
The conference received support from many prominent scholars and clerics who have long been influential in the country.
Some of the notable figures who endorsed the event and called for people to join include Allama Shah Mohibullah Babungari, Allama Khalil Ahmad Qasemi, Allama Abdul Hamid, Maulana Mahfuzul Haq, Maulana Arshad Rahmani, Maulana Mamunul Haq, and many others.
These leaders have a large following and have been vocal in their opposition to what they see as foreign influences on local Islamic practices.
A Historic Gathering
As the conference continues throughout the day, it is clear that this gathering represents a critical moment in the ongoing debate about the future of Islam in Bangladesh.
For many of the attendees, this event is not just about one particular issue but about preserving their way of life and ensuring that future generations continue to practice Islam in the way they believe is right.
The sheer number of people attending the event shows the strong feelings that many have about protecting their religious values.
In conclusion, the Islamic conference at Suhrawardy Udyan has become a powerful platform for scholars and followers to unite against what they perceive as a threat to their faith.
The event is a significant show of strength for those who wish to preserve the traditional Islamic practices of Bangladesh and protect the country`s religious schools from external influences.
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