Members of the Tablighi Jamaat faction led by Indian preacher Saad Kandhlawi have gathered at Kakrail Mosque in the capital for a two-week stay.
On Friday, Saad's disciples entered the mosque and took over management duties from its rival faction, led by senior cleric Zubair Ahmed, reportedly on the basis of a mutual agreement, according to police.
Adherents of the Saad faction began arriving early in the morning from across the country, with thousands seen making their way to Kakrail Mosque through different routes in Dhaka.
To ensure security, a heavy police presence was deployed in and around the mosque, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Jewel Rana, reports bdnews24.com.
“Both groups agreed that the Zubair faction would stay at Kakrail Mosque for four weeks, followed by a two-week stay by the Saad faction. The Saad group gathered today accordingly.
“They will remain at Kakrail Mosque for the next two weeks. Many religious leaders have also arrived from across the country, mostly for Friday prayers. Most will leave after the prayers, while some will stay on to continue regular activities at the mosque.”
Security has been increased due to the large gathering, ADC Rana added.
Asked about the risk of potential attacks on the Saad faction, he said, “There is no such concern. Around 8am, the Saad faction took over the mosque and accepted all arrangements, including kitchen supplies, from the Zubair faction in our presence.
“The Zubair faction members left peacefully, exchanging embraces. They will return after two weeks. We don't foresee any issues.”
An internal conflict has roiled the Tablighi Jamaat for several years and has recently escalated. The Zubair faction has even issued ultimatums to the government, demanding a ban on the Saad faction.
On Nov 12, the Zubair faction threatened to shut down Dhaka within 24 hours if the Saad faction was allowed into Kakrail Mosque and the Tongi Bishwa Ijtema grounds.
Earlier, on Nov 5, the Zubair faction, identifying themselves as 'Shura Nizam', issued a series of demands, including a ban on the Saad faction, during an Islamic conference in Dhaka.
The divide between followers of Delhi’s Saad Kandhlawi and Bangladesh’s Zubair Ahmed first came to the fore in 2019.
Eventually, both groups agreed to conduct the Bishwa Ijtema in two separate phases. The event was put on hold for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but since 2022, the Ijtema has resumed in a two-part format.
