Moulana Karim for Tabligh Jamaat unity ahead of Bisswa Ijtema

Moulana Karim ibn Mosobbir, a former central leader of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, has urged the two factions of Tabligh Jamaat to resolve their longstanding differences and reunite ahead of the upcoming Biswa Ijtema, stressing the need to preserve unity and prevent further violence.

In a statement, Moulana M A Karim said differences of opinion among Islamic scholars could be a source of mercy, but disputes that lead to division, factionalism and confrontation could never be considered a blessing.

Referring to past incidents of violence at the Biswa Ijtema grounds in Tongi and inside mosques in different parts of the country, he urged senior leaders of both factions to set aside their grievances, meet face-to-face and reach an immediate reconciliation.

“Before the upcoming Biswa Ijtema, both sides should clear their hearts of all grievances, meet one another, resolve their differences and reunite,” he said, expressing hope that the leaders would prioritise the broader interests of the Muslim community over their internal disputes.

Tabligh Jamaat, an international Islamic missionary movement, focuses on religious preaching, personal reform and encouraging Muslims to practise their faith in everyday life. Its activities include sending groups of followers to different communities to encourage religious observance and moral development.

The movement's internal division has affected the organisation of Biswa Ijtema, the annual Muslim congregation held at Tongi in Gazipur, near Dhaka. The dispute has centred on leadership and organisational authority, with separate factions associated with Maulana Zubair Ahmed and Maulana Saad Kandhlavi.

The differences have led to separate arrangements for the gathering in recent years, while disputes over access to and control of the Ijtema grounds have contributed to tensions between the groups.

In December 2024, clashes between followers of the two factions at Tongi left four people dead and dozens injured, according to contemporary media reports. The incident underscored the risks posed by the prolonged dispute and renewed concerns about the safety of worshippers attending large religious gatherings.

Against this backdrop, calls for reconciliation have gained significance as preparations for the next Biswa Ijtema approach. The gathering draws large numbers of Muslim devotees from Bangladesh and abroad for religious sermons, prayers and discussions on Islamic teachings.

Moulana Karim said the central mission of Tabligh Jamaat was to guide people towards the path of Allah and encourage them to reform their lives in accordance with Islamic teachings.

He urged the senior leaders to demonstrate patience, mutual respect and a willingness to compromise, saying their actions should reflect the principles of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence that the movement seeks to promote.

He expressed hope that the two factions would resolve their differences through dialogue and understanding, enabling the upcoming Biswa Ijtema to take place in a peaceful atmosphere.