Dhaka, Bangladesh – Leaders of Ulama-Mashayekh Bangladesh convened at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Thursday to demand justice for the violence committed against Tablighi Jamaat attendees during the 2018 Bishwa Ijtema in Tongi, which remains unresolved nearly six years later.
Mufti Amanul Haq, addressing the media, labeled the attack on peaceful worshippers as a “barbaric act.” The 2018 incident, occurring near the Turag River, involved assailants allegedly under the leadership of Maulana Saad. Armed with sharp weapons and iron rods, they targeted individuals with prayer beads or those who attempted to defend themselves with mere bamboo sticks. Over 5,000 people were injured, and several lost their lives, including students, teachers, and children.
The brawl, described by Mufti Haq as a complete violation of human decency, was notably one-sided. “The violent onslaught at the western northern corner of the Tongi ground specifically targeted innocent students and teachers,” he recounted, accusing the government of that time for its notorious inaction and alleged complicity in the violence.
Allama Abdul Hamid reinforced Haq’s statements during the press briefing, emphasizing that the attack was premeditated and not merely a clash between opposing factions as suggested in some circles. He criticized the lack of governmental intervention despite repeated pleas from the community.
The assembly of religious scholars explicitly issued an ultimatum to the current administration, setting a deadline until April 2025 to address their demands. They called for a comprehensive judicial inquiry to investigate both the Saad faction accused of orchestrating the attack and the governmental bodies in charge during the period.
Chaired by Mufti Kefayatullah Azhari, Director of Al-Manhal Madrasa and spokesperson for Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, the press conference saw participation from various influential Islamic scholars including Maulana Shahriar Mahmud, Maulana Nazmul Hasan, Maulana Lokman Mazhari, Mufti Masudul Karim, and Mufti Bashirullah.
These leaders collectively warned that failure to meet their demands for justice and accountability would compel them to take further, unspecified actions. This strong stance underscores the ongoing frustration within the community over the slow pace of justice and the lack of accountability for acts of violence against religious groups in Bangladesh. Their calls add to the broader narrative of seeking justice for communal violence, emphasizing the need for a transparent and effective legal process in the country.