The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on all forms of gatherings, including meetings, processions and protests in Kamarpara, Abdullahpur, Uttara Sector-10, and the adjoining areas of the Turag River in the northwestern part of Dhaka.
In a public notice issued today (Wednesday), the DMP stated that the restriction, enforced under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No III/76), aims to address the current situation and maintain public order.
The authorities have decided to clear the Ijtema ground in Gazipur's Tongi after casualties during a clash between two factions of the Tablig Jamaat.
Four platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, have been deployed in Gazipur Tongi after three people were killed in a clash between two Tablig Jamaat factions.
A statement from the BGB Headquarters made the announcement on Wednesday morning. Each platoon has an average of 30 BGB personnel.
The clash between the Tablig Jamaat followers of senior cleric Zubair Ahmed and Indian preacher Saad Kandhlawi took place around 3:00am on Wednesday over the occupation of the Bishwa Ijtema field on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi.
The decision was announced after a meeting between the Tabligh supporters of Indian preacher Saad Kandhlawi in the presence of Home Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday.
The Home Affairs Adviser then met with supporters of senior cleric Zubair Ahmed at the same venue. IGP Baharul Alam and senior law-enforcing officials also attended the meeting.
Reza Arif, a representative for the Saad supporters, said after the first meeting, "At the request of the Home Adviser, we have decided to clear the grounds. The casualties are truly unfortunate. We are clearing the grounds."
He said, "In the past, we have abided by all the government's requests. We will do so again. We have already told all our gathered comrades to leave the ground. The law enforcers are cooperating with us."
"The decision has been taken for the government to take control of the grounds. No one will occupy them for now."
Addressing Zubair's supporters, Reza said, "We appeal to them - we have accepted the government's decision. In the interests of Islam and the interests of the country, they should not cause any more trouble. They should not take to the streets and they should not spread provocative statements."
