Red Card to Extremism, Yes Card to Peace and Harmony: Taheri
A widely publicized gathering of Pir Mufti Gias Uddin At-Taheri was held on Thursday (5 November) at the Narayanpur Central Eidgah ground in Belabo Upazila, Narsingdi. Mr. Taheri is the Central Organizing Secretary of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and a well known Islamic speaker. Some people tried to create tension and block the event, but it was held in the end.
Local Qawmi scholars and one group strongly opposed the event. They also called for a rival gathering at the same place. This created great tension in the area for a time. However, strong preparation by local residents and followers, along with help from the administration, helped the Sunni Mahasammelan to finish successfully.
On 3 November, a protest meeting was held at Kangalia Madrasa Maidan. It was led by Mufti Anwar Hossain Chishti, a Qawmi scholar and President of the Belab Thana Hefazat. The meeting demanded that Mr. Taheri’s gathering be stopped. The Belab branch of Hefazat e Islam also called an Islamic Mahasammelan at the same place. They named Allama Sajidur Rahman, Secretary General of Hefazat e Islam, as chief guest and Mufti Lutfur Rahman Farayezi as special guest. This spread great tension across the area.
The situation became heated on social media. Ordinary residents of Narayanpur and the organizers then asked everyone not to listen to rumors. They took a firm stand to make this 12th annual Sunni Mahfil a success at the Central Graveyard and Eidgah ground, as planned earlier.
The organizing committee informed the administration and made sure of full security. The program ran in daylight, from 9 am until after Asr prayer.
Soon after Zohr prayer, Mufti Gias Uddin Taheri entered the venue with a large convoy from Bhairab, along with thousands of Sunni followers. He spoke for about 30 minutes on faith, Islam and lessons from the lives of saints. He urged the youth of Bangladesh to leave the path of extremism, revenge, drugs and terror. He asked everyone to stay united to protect the country and religion, and to build a life of Sunnah with love for the Prophet.
After the event, he made two different posts on his personal Facebook account with photos and videos. He wrote, “Tell him I came.” He also thanked the people of Narayanpur and the Sunni public of Belabo, Raipura and Narsingdi district. He said, “Every future reply will be given like this, Inshallah.” He also wrote, “Red card to extremism, Yes card to peace and harmony.”
Followers of Mr. Taheri and Sunni attendees said they are peace loving. They said the government and administration know about them. They said they never want unrest in society and the state. However, they said this peaceful gathering cannot be stopped by creating any kind of obstacle.
