Death in Tabligh Jamaat clash

Everyone was shocked to learn about the death an elderly man in a series of clashes between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat over establishing dominance at the Bishwa Ijtema grounds on the banks of the Turag River. Ismail Mandal, 65 years old, was found dead and his family is devastated by his sudden death. Besides, 200 others were injured. Killing and fighting in the name of religion is really shameful. Every year Bishwa Ijtema takes place in Tongi and thousands of Muslim devotees, from home and various countries around the world, participate in the solemn occasion in a peaceful atmosphere. We never heard of any incidents taking place in the past. It is really sad that peaceful affair of Tabligh Jamaat turned violent this year. I hope disputes among Tabligh Jamaat factions will be solved amicably through dialogues and negotiations. Anger and violence will only escalate disputes, create unrest and disturb peace which is against everthing religion teaches!

Masud Rana

Dhanmondi, Dhaka