New Delhi, Dec 18 (EFE).- At least two people were killed and 39 others injured on Wednesday during clashes between two Muslim factions in Bangladesh, local authorities and group members reported.
The violence broke out at around 3:30 am along the banks of the Turag River on the outskirts of Dhaka.
The dispute centered on control of a ground used annually for the Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest Muslim congregations in the world.
Followers of two factions of the Islamic movement Tablighi Jamaat were involved, members of the groups told local media.
Local police official N.M. Nasiruddin confirmed the clashes and said authorities were still verifying details.
“We have received the news of two deaths so far. One of them was brought dead to the Tongi hospital while another died at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital,” Nasiruddin told the Prothom Alo news wire.
The dispute escalated when supporters of preacher Saad Kandhlawi attempted to enter the contested site to prepare for a religious event. They were confronted by followers of another preacher, Maulana Zubair, leading to violent clashes.
Witnesses reported that the rival groups, armed with sticks and iron rods, also hurled brick chips at each other, leaving at least 39 people injured, who were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Security forces were deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further clashes between the groups.
The incident follows weeks of tension and violent disputes between followers of the two preachers.
The next Biswa Ijtema is scheduled to be held in two phases from Jan. 31 to Feb. 9, 2025. EFE
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