Strict Security by Army-Police: Islamic Groups Leave Paltan After Protest

Staff Reporter

Dhaka: Islamic groups staged a protest after Jummah prayers at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque against Israeli aggression in Palestine. The protest march concluded with a rally at Paltan, where the groups demanded an immediate end to Israel’s attacks on Palestine.

The rally, held at Paltan intersection after the march from Baitul Mukarram on Friday, saw strong demands for international action against Israel.

Meanwhile, police and army personnel were deployed in large numbers around Baitul Mukarram and Paltan areas. Police were stationed at the mosque’s entrance, with army members positioned behind them. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were also seen at Purana Paltan and Nightingale intersections.

After the Jummah prayers, the groups began their march from the mosque’s north gate, carrying banners and flags, including the Palestinian national flag and white flags inscribed with Islamic verses. The march proceeded through Paltan and Nightingale intersections before returning to the mosque’s north gate.

Timeline
– 1:34 PM: Khilafat Majlis starts its march immediately after Jummah prayers. The march reaches Paltan intersection, where a rally is held.
-1:40 PM: Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir begins a march from Nightingale intersection but is redirected by the army.
-1:44 PM: A separate march by Islami Andolan Bangladesh and other student organizations circles the Press Club and Paltan areas.
-2:20 PM: Several smaller protests, including one by the general public, circle Purana Paltan intersection.

Key Speeches
At the rally, Mamunul Haque, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis and Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, delivered a fiery speech. He stated, “If the Awami League wants to return to politics, they will have to cross over our dead bodies. We no longer want politics of revenge. We urge all political parties to unite.”

He called on the United Nations to impose sanctions on Israel and urged Muslim-majority countries to take a strong stand for Palestine. He also demanded that the Bangladeshi government form a Mujahid team to support Palestine.

Mamunul Haque also criticized India for its treatment of Muslims, warning against any disrespect to Aurangzeb’s tomb. He called on the Bangladeshi government to reinstate the “Accept Israel” clause in passports, which was removed under the previous government.

He further accused the previous Awami League government of committing massacres, including Pilkhana, Shapla Chattar, and the July uprising, and demanded justice for these incidents.

Security Measures
Joint forces, including police and army personnel, were on high alert around Baitul Mukarram and Paltan areas. Water cannons, armored vehicles, and prison vans were stationed at key points. Police conducted bag checks on worshippers entering the mosque, and plainclothes detectives were also present in large numbers.

The protest ended peacefully, with the Islamic groups dispersing after their demands were voiced.