Obstruction to Eid-e-Miladunnabi Procession in Chattogram, Tension Erupts
Opponents of the procession take up positions in front of the madrasa, while the participants stationed themselves by a pond on the opposite side of the road. Photo: Agamir Somoy.
An allegation has surfaced that a procession brought out to welcomeEid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH) was obstructed in Banshkhali Upazila of Chattogram. Tension spread over the blockage, and police rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. A tense atmosphere currently prevails at the scene.
The processionists have alleged that teachers and students of a local Qawmi madrasa obstructed their procession.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Vhadiya area of Banshkhali Municipality, police said.
According to locals, people had gathered at the end of the municipality ( Saral Union) to bring out the procession. Hundreds of people swarmed from various areas using CNG auto-rickshaws, pickups, and jeeps (chander gari). Just moments before the procession was to begin, teachers, students, and local residents from a nearby madrasa came out and blocked the way. They insisted that the procession would not be allowed to pass along the road beside the madrasa.
After being obstructed, the procession dispersed, triggering tension. Meanwhile, supporters of the Eid-e-Miladunnabi Jashne Julus (festive procession) from other parts of the upazila began arriving in groups. At one point, the opponents took position in front of the madrasa, while participants stationed themselves on the bank of a pond on the opposite side of the road. Fears of a clash spread panic across the area, prompting local shops to close down.
Upon receiving news, police quickly reached the spot and positioned themselves between the two sides, said Sudhanshu Shekhar Halder, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Banshkhali Police Station. He stated, "A procession for Eid-e-Miladunnabi was brought out. There are two sides here, and they have previous enmity. We have handled the situation very carefully."
The OC further added, "Tomorrow (Sunday), both sides will hold a meeting under the mediation of the UNO and the OC sir. We hope a resolution will be reached there."
