Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a prohibition on all forms of public gatherings, rallies, processions, or demonstrations in areas including Kamalpara, Abdullahpur, Uttara Sector-10, and the southwestern bank of the Turag River. This directive is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, through a press release signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali (NDC). The directive cites the maintenance of public order as the primary reason for the decision. According to the release, this step is being enforced under the authority granted by Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76).

The ban follows a violent clash early Wednesday morning between supporters of two rival factions, led by Maulana Zubair and Maulana Saad, over control of the Tongi Ijtema ground. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to nearly a hundred others.

The deceased have been identified as Bachchu Mia (70) from Egarsindur village in Pakundia, Kishoreganj; Belal (60) from Beraid, Dakshinkhan, Dhaka; and Tajul Islam (70) from Bogura.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the violence erupted around 3:00 a.m. when supporters of the Maulana Saad faction attempted to enter the Ijtema ground from various points, including the Kamalpara Bridge and roads leading to the western bank of the Turag River. Witnesses stated that Maulana Zubair's followers, who were stationed inside the Ijtema ground, began pelting stones and bricks at the advancing group. This prompted a retaliatory attack from the Maulana Saad supporters.

The situation quickly escalated as the Maulana Saad group managed to breach the Ijtema ground, leading to an intense confrontation between the two sides. The clash resulted in significant casualties, with multiple individuals sustaining injuries. Local residents described the scene as chaotic, with both sides engaging in violent exchanges that left the area in turmoil.

Following the incident, the police imposed the ban on assemblies in and around the affected areas to prevent further escalations and ensure public safety. The restriction aims to stabilize the situation while law enforcement agencies assess the circumstances that led to the confrontation.

No official statement has been released regarding the resolution of the conflict between the two factions or the potential impact on the upcoming Tongi Ijtema, one of the largest Islamic congregations globally. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing their efforts to restore normalcy in the area.

Further updates on the situation are awaited as investigations into the events leading to the clash continue.