‘Tawhidi Janata’ Demands Cancellation of Urs in Savar, Led by BNP, Jamaat and Hefazat
A group identifying itself as ‘Tawhidi Janata’, led by local leaders of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam, has demanded the cancellation of an upcoming urs at the home of Kazi Jaber Al Jahangir, a follower of Sureshwar Pir, in Savar.
The group submitted a memorandum to the Savar upazila administration and police on Sunday (August 23), alleging that controversial and anti-Islamic statements are made during the event. Ten people signed the memorandum, including leaders and activists affiliated with Hefazat-e-Islam, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.
They demanded that the urs, scheduled for August 26-27, be stopped and urged the authorities to intervene to prevent any untoward incident.
Kazi Jaber Al Jahangir denied the allegations, saying the claims against him are false. He said the urs has been held privately at his family home for around 19 years in memory of his late father. He added that no public stage or loudspeakers would be used this year.
Jahangir also expressed concern that his home could come under attack and said he had informed police and filed a general diary.
Leaders of the group said their objective was not simply to stop the urs but to prevent what they described as un-Islamic activities and maintain peace in the area.
Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Saiful Islam said those who submitted the complaint had been advised to remain calm and that the matter would be discussed with the police.
Savar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Saiful Alam said senior officials had been informed and police were taking precautions to prevent any untoward situation.
The issue comes amid tensions following an attack on Jahangir’s family home and a nearby shrine in Chakulia in September 2024. According to a case filed by his family, hundreds of people allegedly attacked the property, vandalised it and looted valuables. Several people were reportedly injured in the incident.