Tongi, Dec 18: At least three people were killed and more than 100 injured in a violent clash between the followers of Maulana Zubair and Maulana Saad Kandhalvi on Biswa Ijtema ground in Gazipur’s Tongi early Wednesday over the control of the ground.
The Saad faction has since claimed control of the ground, releasing video statements asserting their dominance.
The confrontation erupted in the early hours of Wednesday around 3:00 am.
Two of the deceased have been identified a Bachchu Mia, 70, from Egarasindu in Pakundia Thana, Kishoreganj district, and Belal, 60, son of Abdul Samad from the Beraid area of Dakkhin Khan, Dhaka. The identity of the third victim remains unknown.
According to local sources, Saad supporters began entering the Ijtema ground around 3:00 am, crossing the western bank of the Turag River via routes such as the Kamarpara Bridge. Inside the ground, Jobayer supporters responded by pelting bricks and stones. As Saad supporters forced their way in, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation.
Muazz Bin Noor, a senior leader of the Saad faction, later issued a video message claiming their group had secured control of the Ijtema ground. He accused Jobayer supporters of initiating the attack and confirmed that three members of their faction had died in the violence. Noor also alleged that Jobayer supporters, some armed with knives and other weapons, were detained during the clashes.
The injured are being treated at Tongi Ahsanullah Master General Hospital and other nearby medical facilities.