BGB Deployed after Fatal Clash Between 2 Factions at Biswa Ijtema Ground

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed four platoons in Tongi following clashes between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat, the Jubair and Saad groups over control of the Biswa Ijtema grounds.

According to BGB Public Relations Officer Md Shariful Islam, the deployment was confirmed on Wednesday morning (18 December).

The clash erupted at around 3 am on Wednesday (18 December). So far, police have reported three deaths with over fifty people injured in the incident.

The deceased have been identified as Bachchu Mia (70) from Egarosindhu village, Pakundia, Kishoreganj, and Belal (60) from Dakshinkhan, Dhaka. The identity of the third victim is yet to be confirmed.

Injured individuals include:

Abdur Rouf (55) from Brahmanbaria
Mojibur Rahman (58) from Mymensingh
Abdul Hannan (60) from Tongi
Zahurul Islam (38) from Tongi
Arif (34) from Gopalganj
Faisal (28) from Savar
Tariqul (42) from Narsingdi
Sahed (44) from Chattogram
Ukil Mia (58) from Narsingdi
Pranto (55) from Tongi
Khorshed Alam (50)
Belal (34) from Keraniganj
Anwar (50) from Narayanganj
Abu Bakkar (59)
Ariful Islam (50)
Anwar (26) from Savar
Anwar (76) from Noakhali
Forkan Ahmed (35) from Satkhira

The identities of other injured individuals are yet to be confirmed.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that at around 3 am, members of the Saad group attempted to enter the Ijtema grounds via Kamarpur Bridge and other routes along the western bank of the Turag River. This prompted the Jubair group inside the grounds to hurl bricks and stones. In retaliation, the Saad group launched counterattacks. As the Saad group managed to enter the grounds, a large-scale clash ensued, resulting in many casualties.

In a video statement, prominent Saad group leader Muazz Bin Noor claimed they are now controlling the Ijtema grounds. He also alleged that the Jubair group attacked them, leading to the martyrdom of three members of their group. Noor further claimed that several members of the Jubair group were apprehended carrying knives and sharp weapons.

The injured were transported to various hospitals, including Tongi Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital as a result of the clash.

Hafizul Islam, Senior Brother at the emergency department of Tongi Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital, confirmed the deaths and injuries, stating, “So far, three individuals have died, and a large number of injured people are being brought to the hospital.”

As of 8 am, the clashes were ongoing, and there were fears of further casualties. Injured individuals were transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and other medical facilities.