Ulama-Mashayekh demands speedy trial 

Ulama-Mashayekh Bangladesh has demanded the speedy trial of the killings that occurred at the Bishwa Ijtema ground in Tongi in 2018 and 2024, seeking exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The organisation made the demand at a conference in the capital on Saturday, also calling for the continuation of previous government decisions concerning the Ijtema ground and a halt to activities by the “Saad followers” at the venue.

Ulama, mashayekh, senior scholars from Qawmi madrasas, leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam, Tabligh activists, journalists and representatives of different professions from across the country attended the conference.

Their eight-point demands included expediting proceedings in the relevant GR cases, conducting impartial investigations into the deaths and injuries during the 2018 and 2024 incidents, and bringing those responsible to justice regardless of their affiliation.

The conference also demanded that the government prevent the “Saad followers” from entering the Tongi Ijtema ground or organising any Ijtema or Tabligh-related activities there. It called for legal action against anyone attempting to violate government decisions.

Organisers further alleged that attempts had recently been made to lobby foreign nationals and diplomatic missions in favour of allowing the Saad followers to use the Ijtema ground, while allegedly portraying Bangladeshi ulama negatively. They called for an investigation into the allegations and legal action against those responsible.

They urged the government to resolve the ongoing disputes surrounding Dawah and Tabligh through consultations with leading ulama, mashayekh and muftis. They also called for decisions concerning the Ijtema and Tabligh activities to take into account the views of the wider religious community.