Arrest attempt on controversial Islamic speaker sparks violence in Brahmanbaria’s Bijoynagar

Mufti Giyas Uddin At Taheri and 14 others are accused in a case over an attack on a policeman in Akhaura

Followers of controversial Islamic speaker Mufti Giyas Uddin At Taheri have clashed with police at Brahmanbaria’s Bijoynagar.

The incident took place in the Nazirabari area of Char Islampur Union of the Upazila around 10:30pm on Saturday as police personnel were attempting to arrest Taheri, said Rowshan Ali, the chief of Bijoynagar Police Station.

His supporters then attacked and vandalised three police vehicles, allowing him to evade capture.

According to OC Ali, there is a case filed against Taheri in Akhaura for attacking a policeman.

On Saturday, Taheri organised a religious event without taking permission from law-enforcing agencies.

“When police got the news, they went to arrest him from the stage. But he entered a house and then fled via a pond. His supporters then vandalised three police cars.”

Police have arrested four people from the scene and preparations are underway to take legal action over the incident.

Last Friday, Taheri organised a religious event at Akhaura without a police permit. When police went to the scene and ordered the event to end quickly, his supporters smashed the head of a sub-inspector.

Police say speakers made inflammatory statements against the law-enforcing agencies at the gathering.

A case has been filed against 15 people, including Taheri, over the incident.