Death of Sayedee: Attempt for 'gayebana janaza' foiled in Dhaka, Ctg

Police have foiled Jamaat-Shibir men's attempt to hold a gayebana janaza (funeral-in-absentia prayers) for convicted war criminal and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee after the Zohr prayers at Baitul Mukarram national mosque today.

When members of Jamaat and Shibir were gathering in the mosque area, police tried to disperse them, according to the eyewitnesses.

In response, the Jamaat-Shibir men hurled brickbats at them, triggering a chase and counter-chase.

"The Jamaat-Shibir members attacked police and threw brickbats. Fortunately, no police officials were injured," Hayatul Islam Khan, deputy commissioner of Motijheel Division Police, said while talking to The Daily Star.

Police had to charge batons to disperse the crowd.

Photo: Prabir Das

Some people were detained from the scene and police are verifying their identities and role, the police official said.

Meanwhile, Awami League supporters were holding a programme in the mosque, marking National Mourning Day when the scuffle broke out between police and Jamaat men.

The AL men also got involved in the chase and counter chase at the time, according to witnesses.

"The situation is currently under control, and additional police personnel have been deployed near the mosque," Hayatul Islam added.

Photo: Collected

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Khandaker Golam Faruq said permission for ghaibana janaza will not be granted following the unrest caused by Jamaat-Shibir members, attacks on police, and acts of vandalism over the transportation of Sayedee's body last night.

Sayedee passed away around 8:40pm yesterday at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University after being admitted there following a heart attack.

Meanwhile, law enforcers foiled another attempt to hold a gayebana janaza for Sayedee in Chattogram's Kazir Dewri area this afternoon.

Law enforcers had to lob teargas cannisters and charge batons to disperse the crowd, said witnesses.

As of filing this report, a chase and counter chase between police and Jamaat-Shibir supporters were taking place in the area, reports our staff correspondent from Chattogram.

Police detained 10 of the Jamaat-Shibir supporters from the spot.