Alia Madrasah Principal Mohammad Obaidul Haque spoke to reporters late Saturday night following clashes between two groups on the madrasah premises in the capital’s Bakshi Bazar area.
Speaking around midnight, he said: “The whole country was charged after the verdict (the death sentence against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the crimes against humanity case) on November 17. Many boys from Alia Madrasah went to TSC and Dhanmondi 32. But nothing happened here.”
The principal recounted that on Friday, a student asked for permission to hold a milad mahfil in front of the market. “I asked him what kind of milad he meant, because this is not the time for milad,” he said. “He replied that they wanted to hold it to celebrate the verdict.”
“I told him they could do it but must not disturb anyone,” the principal said, adding that he also advised them to hold it inside the mosque. “The student then said they hadn’t done anything publicly since the verdict and wanted to celebrate. So, I gave verbal permission and told him to involve everyone.”
He said the students brought a mini truck, blocked the road, and held a mahfil using microphones. “I didn’t see it directly, only in photos. But I don’t think anyone from the Islami Chhatra Andolon was involved,” he added.
Students who did not take part later complained that the microphones were disrupting their studies. “So, I called the organizers and asked why their milad wasn’t over yet. Milad is not permissible on microphones,” he said.
When asked about allegations from Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal that Chhatra League activists were present in the hall, the principal said: “Those making these claims have not yet identified anyone to me. I don’t know who is involved in Chhatra League politics.”
Responding to allegations that money was being collected from nearby shops, he said: “I am not aware of this. If a complaint with evidence is submitted, action will be taken. No one involved will be spared.”
He also expressed regret over an incident in which a journalist was insulted, saying he was “looking into the matter.”
On whether an investigation committee would be formed, the principal said: “Yes, a probe committee will definitely be formed. Guidelines will be issued to identify the full details of the incident.”
Regarding reports of vandalism inside the hall, he said: “I saw a couple of chairs overturned.”