The two factions of the Tabligh Jamaat, in a standoff over control of the Bishwa Ijtema grounds in Tongi near Dhaka and the Kakrail Mosque, have decided to temporarily exercise restraint to avoid a potential conflict. For the past few days, their rigid positions and opposing statements had raised concerns of possible violence.
Those who previously declared they would remove “Saad followers” from Kakrail Mosque and prevent them from holding their own Ijtema have now agreed to adhere to a previous understanding. As a result, the Kakrail Mosque will be shared, and the two-part Ijtema arrangement will continue, as sources informed Daily World Press.
The division within the Tabligh Jamaat dates back to 2017, sparked by a controversial statement from Indian Tabligh leader Mohammad Saad Kandhalvi. Since then, the two groups in Bangladesh have organized separate Ijtemas in different phases. Due to the ongoing opposition, Mr. Kandhalvi has been barred from attending the Ijtema since 2018.
Syed Wasiful Islam, leader of Kandhalvi’s followers in Bangladesh, claims that the Qawmi Madrasa-based organization Hefazat-e-Islam has stirred up controversy over the Ijtema to establish its authority. He informed Daily World Press that they intend to seek government support to bring Saad Kandhalvi to this year’s Ijtema.
In response, Azizul Haque Islamabadi, joint secretary of Hefazat-e-Islam, dismissed these allegations, asserting that Kandhalvi lost his right to attend the Ijtema after making “controversial remarks about the prophets.”
Mahfuz Hannan, a close associate of anti-Saad leader Maulana Zubair Ahmed, said they had initially called for complete control over Kakrail Mosque, claiming majority support. However, he informed Daily World Press that they have now decided not to take any actions that could embarrass the government, and the previous agreement will continue to guide activities.
Meanwhile, Shahriar Mahmud, a leader of Olama Mashayekh Bangladesh, warned that if efforts were made to bring Maulana Saad back to Bangladesh or grant his followers privileges at Kakrail Mosque and the Tongi Ijtema, they would bring Dhaka to a standstill. However, he stated that they are committed to the earlier understanding after recent talks with the government.
“It’s not right to drag Hefazat into this as a diversion. Saad Kandhalvi is responsible for the ongoing crisis in the Tabligh. We’ll allow until April for a permanent resolution,” Shahriar Mahmud told Daily World Press.
