Prominent Islamic scholars and clerics in Bangladesh have strongly demanded that the government uphold its previous decision prohibiting the Saad faction from using the Tongi Ijtema ground. This demand was formally articulated during a crucial consultative meeting held at the tin-shed point of the Tongi Ijtema ground on Saturday. Convened at the call of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Ameer Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, the gathering brought together leading ulema and Tabligh Jamaat elders from all 64 districts of the country.
Briefing reporters after the session, Habibur Rahman, media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh, explained the context behind the gathering. He revealed that influential quarters within the government had recently contacted the Hefazat Ameer to seek his opinion on potentially granting the Saad faction a three-day window to use the Tongi venue. In response, Allama Babunagari convened Saturday's high-level consultative meeting to formulate a collective stance after extensive deliberations with top national clerics.
Based on the unanimous consensus of the attending scholars, two primary demands were finalized for submission to the government. First, the authorities must firmly maintain their prior decision denying the Saad faction permission to use the Tongi Ijtema ground beyond 2025. The religious leaders asserted that keeping this restriction in place is vital for preserving public order, safety, and religious harmony around the historic venue. Second, the meeting demanded the expeditious completion of investigations into the murder cases filed over the tragic incidents that occurred in Tongi in 2018 and 2024, followed by the immediate submission of charge sheets. These cases are currently under active investigation by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).
The speakers emphasized that delivering justice for the lives lost during previous clashes over the venue remains a long-standing demand of the faithful. They warned that failing to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly could jeopardize the fragile peace surrounding the area. The ulema expressed optimism that the government would prudently consider these recommendations to ensure the sanctity of the Ijtema and maintain national stability.
Observers note that the ongoing friction between rival factions of Tabligh Jamaat regarding the management and control of the Tongi grounds has rendered this a deeply sensitive domestic issue. As policymakers weigh their options ahead of future Islamic congregations, the unified stance adopted by the country's prominent clerics adds significant weight to the ongoing administrative and security deliberations surrounding the premier religious gathering.
