Saad’s followers leave Ijtema ground following govt directive

Following a clash between the followers of Maulana Saad and Maulana Zubair at the Bishwa Ijtema ground in Tongi, Gazipur, on Wednesday, the government instructed the followers of Saad to vacate the premises.

After a meeting in Dhaka between five government advisers and officials from various agencies, a decision was made for Saad’s followers to leave the Ijtema ground. In accordance with the directive, the followers of Saad, who had been occupying the ground, began preparing to leave from 3 pm on Wednesday. They departed in various vehicles, including buses, trucks, and private cars.

Witnesses reported that the followers of Saad had initially planned to hold a five-day Jamaat Ijtema starting December 20. However, in response to the government’s directive, they began vacating the ground on Wednesday afternoon. By 9 pm, the entire Ijtema ground was vacated as the followers of Maulana Saad left for their respective destinations. During the departure, police and law enforcement agencies ensured the safety of the followers.

Sources confirmed that the entrance gates to the Ijtema ground were locked, and law enforcement personnel took positions outside to prevent anyone from entering the premises.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Iskander Habibur Rahman of Tongi West Police Station stated that, as per the government’s decision, the Bishwa Ijtema ground is now under administrative control. Police and law enforcement agencies are responsible for ensuring security at the ground, and they are ready to manage any potential disorder.