Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned that those responsible for the killing of two Tabligh followers at the Biswa Ijtema ground early Wednesday would not be spared.
He issued the warning while speaking to reporters following two separate meetings with the followers of Maulana Saad and Maulana Zubayer at the Ministry of Home’s conference room, reports UNB.
"My brothers (victims) filed cases today. We will ensure that the real culprits are brought to justice," said the adviser.
He added that discussions between the two groups were ongoing , and if an agreement is reached, the government will take a decision.
Home Affairs Adviser also mentioned that the government is prepared to provide medical assistance to the injured, if necessary.
Earlier, a delegation from the Saad group held a meeting with the five advisers led by Jahangir Alam, followed by a meeting with the opposing group.
In accordance with the government’s previous decision, the first phase of Biswa Ijtema, organised by Zubayer’s followers, will be held from January 31 to February 2, while the second phase, led by Saad’s followers, is scheduled from February 7 to 9.
Although the government has allowed one faction to host the first phase, the opposing faction has refused to accept the decision, escalating tensions between the two sides.
Ahead of their 'Jor Ijtema,' set to take place from December 20 to 24, Saad’s followers began entering the ground. However, sensing their presence, Zubayer’s followers reportedly attacked them around 3 am.
In retaliation, Saad’s supporters, attempting to gain access to the ground, launched a counter-attack. The clash resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries.
Locals alleged that when the Saad supporters entered the ground, police who were on duty at the Ijtema ground moved away and took position on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, east of the location.
Officer-in-charge of Tongi West Police Station Iskandar Habibur Rahman confirmed the deaths, saying that several injured people were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
