Clash erupts at Baitul Mukarram mosque between followers of rival Khatibs, 50 injured

A clash occurred between the followers of the former and current Khatibs (person who delivers Jummah prayer sermon) at the national mosque, Baitul Mukarram, leaving at least 50 people injured.

According to sources, the current Khatib, Mufti Waliur Rahman Khan, was delivering a sermon when the former Khatib, Mufti Ruhul Amin, arrived at the mosque with his followers and attempted to take the microphone.

This led to a confrontation between the followers of both Khatibs, resulting in physical altercations. Several people were injured, and many worshippers were disturbed by the chaos, prompting some to leave the mosque.

As worshippers were leaving the mosque, a group began chanting slogans, saying: "Catch every one of the league, slaughter them one by one."

The worshippers began gathering on the street in front of the mosque, but they were later dispersed by the army, police, and RAB personnel.

Authorities repeatedly made announcements via loudspeakers, urging people to leave.

Before the Friday prayers, tension rose within the mosque due to a conflict over the Khatib position.

The return of Khatib Ruhul Amin, who had fled after the fall of the Awami League government, sparked the situation.

The army and police are currently stationed in the Baitul Mukarram area to maintain control.

A prison van was seen stationed in front of the mosque, along with an armored police vehicle near the Baitul Mukarram market.

Water cannons and hundreds of police officers were also stationed at the Paltan intersection.