Followers of Maulana Zubair on Friday staged protests, and blockades, and submitted a memorandum demanding justice for attacks by followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi.
After Jummah prayers, thousands of worshippers gathered in front of Tongi East police station, chanting slogans demanding the withdrawal of cases.
The protestors eventually moved to the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, blocking traffic.
Later in the afternoon, they held a rally on the Tongi-Kaliganj road.
It was alleged that on December 1, 2018, Saad followers launched an attack on innocent worshippers at the Ijtema grounds in an attempt to seize control of the area.
Claiming that no justice had been served during the previous government, the Zubair followers organized Friday's demonstration.
Following the successful conclusion of the Jor Ijtema held from November 29 to December 3, Saad followers sought government permission to organize the second phase of the Ijtema from December 20–24.
However, their application was rejected by the government's high-level decision.
On Thursday, senior members of the Saad faction’s organizing committee met with the deputy commissioner of Gazipur Metropolitan Police.
While returning from the meeting, their private car was vandalized at Munno Gate in Tongi by Zubair followers armed with sticks.
The attack injured several members of the Saad faction. They were later treated at a private hospital.
Following the protest rally, Mufti Masudul Karim submitted a memorandum to SM Nasiruddin, Deputy Commissioner (Crime-South) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police.
Mufti Masudul Karim said: "In 2018, Saad followers attacked us, but we did not receive justice. This year as well, they are attempting to unjustly enter the grounds. We have prevented them and submitted a memorandum to the police today."
Tongi West police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Iskandar Habibur Rahman said that a case has been filed by the Saad faction, naming 34 individuals and accusing 30–40 unidentified people.
Efforts to maintain law and order are ongoing.
SM Nasiruddin, deputy commissioner of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, mentioned that thousands of Zubair followers submitted the memorandum.
Additional police forces have been deployed to prevent unrest in and around the Ijtema grounds.
He also said that to handle any situation arising around the Jor Ijtema and maintain law and order, the army has intensified patrols in Tongi.
On Friday, after Zuhr prayers, the army was deployed at Tongi Station Road and Mill Gate areas along the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway.
An army patrol commander, speaking on condition of anonymity, told journalists: "As always, the Bangladesh Army is committed to ensuring public safety. Following Thursday's incident, we are on high alert. Members of Bangladesh Police, APBn, and RAB are deployed around the Ijtema grounds, with additional law enforcement personnel stationed in front of Tongi East and West police stations."
