Moulana Saad declared 'persona non grata,' alems place 9-pt demands

Published : Tuesday, 5 November, 2024 at 9:42 PM Count : 413

A large gathering of alems and ulemas, under the banner of the 'Ulema and Mashaikh of Bangladesh', convened at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Tuesday, concluding with a set of nine demands directed at the government.

The conference highlighted demands for justice related to the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident and called for the withdrawal of all alleged false cases against Islamic scholars.

Key points raised included the protection of Qawmi Madrashas, Tabligh Jamaat, and safeguarding the practice of Islam within Bangladesh. Thousands gathered from early morning to participate in the event, where the demands were voiced publicly.

A primary focus was on preventing Saad Kandhalvi, a self-proclaimed Amir, from entering Bangladesh due to tensions following a recent clash at the Tongi Ijtema venue between his supporters and students. The scholars also demanded that his supporters be restricted from accessing the Kakrail Mosque and urged the government to officially declare the Qadiani community as non-Muslims.

The conference culminated in a prayer session led by Shah Mohammad Mohibullah Babunagari.

Prominent figures in attendance included Khalil Ahmad Qasemi of Hathazari, Allama Abdul Hamid Pir Saheb of Madhupur, Allama Abdul Rahman Hafezzi, and Allama Nurul Islam, among others. Scholars from Qawmi Madrashas across the nation attended, filling Suhrawardy Udyan to capacity and causing significant traffic congestion in Dhaka.

The event was organized peacefully and aimed to address what the attendees viewed as pressing issues for the protection of Islamic principles and institutions in Bangladesh.