Over 2,000 Muslims protested in Gazipur's Kapasia upazila on Thursday, demanding justice for the victims of an attack by followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi during the Biswa Ijtema in Tongi.
The protest, which began at noon, was held in front of the Tajuddin Ahmad sculpture along Rajendrapur-Kishoreganj Road.
Participants called for strict action against Maulana Saad’s followers, denouncing their involvement in the incident that reportedly killed and injured several worshippers.
Speaking at the protest, Shamim Ahmed said: "Saad supporters must not be allowed into Kapasia. If they attempt to enter, strict action will be taken. Four of our brothers have been killed. We demand justice for these murders."
Maulana Mahmudul Hasan Maruf, Imam and Khatib of Kapasia Model Mosque, urged a complete ban on Saad followers’ activities in the upazila.
"No mosque in Kapasia can host them," he added.
Mufti Ajmal Hossain Khan, president of Kapasia Upazila Qaumi Parishad, accused Saad followers of misinterpreting the Quran and Sunnah, calling for the closure of their gatherings in the area.
Echoing similar concerns, Mufti Nizam Uddin, general secretary of the same body, said: "The pro-Saad movement brings misguidance from India. Those who support Saad are straying from the right path and must be guided correctly."
Protesters chanted slogans condemning Saad followers as extremists. They demanded accountability for what they called the "barbaric killings" of worshippers, adding that disagreements should not lead to such violence.
"We demand justice for the killers. People were killed while sleeping during prayer. This is inhuman," one protester declared.
Kapasia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tamanna Tasnim acknowledged the protest and said: "We have received a memorandum from the protesters and forwarded it to higher authorities for appropriate action."
The protest ended with fiery speeches from religious leaders like Mufti Abdul Ghaffar, who warned: "If our demands are not met, the administration must take responsibility for what comes next."
