Clash breaks out at Baitul Mukarram as ex-khatib Ruhul Amin tries to reinstate himself with followers; 50 hurt
More than fifty people were injured after a clash broke out before jummah prayer at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka between followers of present Khatib Waliur Rahman Khan and former khatib Ruhul Amin.
Ruhul Amin has been in hiding since the fall of the Awami League government and arrived at the mosque with his followers today (20 September).
The incident occurred around 12:30pm when Waliur Rahman was addressing those who came to pray.
Confirming the matter, a police official of Motijheel zone, on condition of anonymity, said three followers of Ruhul Amin have been detained so far.
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Talking to the worshippers, it was found that Ruhul Amin entered Baitul Mukarram with his followers and took the microphone of Khatib Waliur Rahman.
At that time, the followers of the current Khatib resisted the followers of Ruhul Amin.
Then a scuffle took place between the two sides. Several people were injured. Many worshipers left the mosque.
Army members came to the mosque after receiving the news. Besides, a large number of police officials were already stationed in the Baitul Mukarram area. Later, when the situation came under control, worshipers again entered the mosque around 1:15pm.
After the prayers, suddenly a group of worshipers came out from the mosque shouting slogans. They were chanting "Ekta ekta League dhor, dhore dhore jobai kor".
At that time, the police asked them to leave the mosque area. But they stood on the street.
Later, army, police and RAB members removed them from the area.
