Thousands of Islamic leaders and their followers have converged on Dhaka's historic Suhrawardy Udyan for a massive rally aimed at strengthening Islamic teachings and unity, reports The Business Standard.
The event, which drew a huge number of madrasah teachers and students from across the country, started at 9 am on Tuesday.
Organised by Ulama Mashayekh Bangladesh, the rally has brought together Islamic leaders and scholars from across the country to discuss various issues, including the ongoing debate within the Islamic community regarding the Tablighi Jamaat and its activities in the country.
Supporters of the late Maulana Zubair ul Hassan have organised this rally in opposition to Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi of Delhi, a prominent figure in the Tablighi Jamaat.
Speaking at the event, the Islamic leaders emphasised the importance of unity within the Muslim community and called for strict adherence to Islamic principles.
They demanded that Bishwa Ijtema will have to be held once, not in two phases. They also demanded that the Ijtema grounds and Kakrail Mosque be kept free from the influence of those who deviate from mainstream Islamic teachings, mainly the followers of Maulana Saad Al Kandhalvi.
The Bishwa Ijtema, one of the world's largest Muslim gatherings, will be held in two phases in 2025 like the previous years. The first phase will be held from 31 January to 2 February on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, and the second phase will be held from 7 February to 9 February.
The speakers also said people never accept anything counterfeit and it is the government's responsibility to stop counterfeiting from happening. The counterfeit version of the Tablighi Jamaat cannot continue because it has enjoyed various benefits by colluding with the previous fascist government. They must be resisted as they are now hovering around the interim government.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
