'Division for sake of peace'

Amid the confrontational stance between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat, one group yesterday said they do not see peace without division in the Islamic group, and proposed holding of the Bishwa Ijtema and other activities separately.

“If one group keeps obstructing another, how will peace prevail? There is no option but division to bring peace,” Maulana Ashraf Ali, a 'murubbi' (leader) belonging to the Maulana Saad Kandhalvi-led faction, said during a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity yesterday.

He alleged that their men are being attacked and harassed in different parts of the country, following the December 1 clash between supporters of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi and Maulana Zubair, that left one killed and more than 200 injured.

Alleging that the home ministry has recently allowed their rivals to gather in a part of Tongi Maidan -- the venue for Bishwa Ijtema -- although it had banned all types of entry earlier, he said the decision may lead to fresh violence.

Contacted yesterday, Officer-in-Charge of Tongi West Police Station Emdadul Haque told our Gazipur correspondent that the Tongi Maidan's mosque has been opened for devotees for daily and Juma prayers, and weekly sermons. However, no one will be allowed to camp there.

Speaking at the press conference, Ashraf further said their two Shura (central committee) members who have to use wheelchairs to move, and a 'murubbi' named Anisur Rahman, who was in India during the clash, were made accused in a case filed by Pro-Zubair faction member Maulana Abdul Wahab, with Tongi West Police Station.

Ashraf urged everyone to stop involving madrasa students or teachers in the conflict, and called upon all to keep Tabligh free from political influence. 

On December 3, the Saad-led faction held a press conference, following one by the Zubair-led faction, and raised similar demands.

Two factions had been feuding after Shura members in India and Bangladesh became divided over Saad's alleged controversial statements over a year ago.

The pro-Zubair faction even compelled the government to keep Saad Kandhalvi away from the last Ijtema -- the second biggest congregation of Muslims after the Hajj. Qawmi madrasa-based Hefajat-e Islam reportedly backs this faction.

A 'murubbi' of the pro-Saad faction yesterday told The Daily Star that Saad would not fly to Bangladesh until the crisis is resolved.