Ulema rally overflows Suhrawardy Udyan, engulfs DU campus

Tens of thousands gathered at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Tuesday (November 5) to attend a grand rally convened by some leading ulema to counter a factional split within Tabligh Jamaat, creating a spillover crowd that stretched onto Dhaka University (DU) campus, Ramna Park, and surrounding areas. 

The rally, which commenced at 9:00am, drew attendees from across the country for a day of lectures and discussions on Da'wah, Tabligh, and the ‘preservation’ of Islamic teachings.

From early dawn, the grounds began filling with participants, most of whom are affiliated with Qaumi Madrasas. Despite the vast space, Suhrawardy Udyan quickly reached capacity, forcing attendees to sit along nearby roads, footpaths, and even DU landmarks such as Shaheed Minar and Shahbagh. 

Many attendees listened to the speeches via loudspeakers, while volunteers distributed free food. Some attendees were seen arriving via Metrorail at the nearby Shahbagh and Dhaka University stations.

Alim Uddin, who travelled from Kishoreganj, shared that he arrived the previous night but still could not secure a spot close to the stage. “I came early but had to sit near Ramna Kali Temple,” he said, explaining that this event was organised to counter a factional split within Tabligh Jamaat, which since 2019 has seen the Biswa Ijtema divided into two phases at Tongi, Gazipur. 

Participants voiced concerns over controversial alim Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi, whose views have polarised Tabligh Jamaat, leading to separate Ijtema phases. 

Mokim Ahmed, who travelled from Hathazari in Chattogram, said, “Maulana Saad’s followers want bring him to Bangladesh they are pressing for the first phase of Ijtema have sparked division. We are here to show that he should not be allowed that opportunity.”

Prominent scholars present included Shah Mohibullah Babunagari, Khalil Ahmad Kasemi of Hathazari, Abdul Hamid Pir Sahib of Madhupur, and Abdul Rahman Hafezzi, among others, are expected to attend the rally.