The Tabligh Jamaat faction aligned with Maulana Zubair Ahmad will hold a nationwide demonstration on January 10 to seek a ban on the activities of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi's followers.

An ulema (Islamic scholars) conference will also be held on January 25, said Hefazat-e-Islam Vice President Mufti Nazmul Hasan Qasemi at a press conference at the Kakrail Mosque in Dhaka yesterday.

He made the announcement on behalf of Ulema-Mashayekh Bangladesh and Tabligh Jamaat Companions.

He said all activities of Saad supporters should be banned, and they should be held accountable for the killings in 2018 and 2024.

In a written statement, Qasemi said, "If the government fails to take effective measures, we will announce our next course of action at the conference."

He also said, "We believe that if justice had been served for those killings in 2018, the incidents of December 2024 would not have occurred. If they are spared again, it may lead to even greater disasters in the future."

Hefazat Ameer Shah Mohibullah Babunagari blamed Saad followers for the December 18 clash and criticised their actions.

Mamunul Haque, general secretary of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, demanded an immediate ban on all activities of the Saad faction of Tabligh Jamaat.

Asked about the presence of Hefazat and Khelafat Majlish leaders in the pro-Zubair faction, Mamunul replied, "They are not here as leaders of Hefazat but as Islamic scholars (ulema). The ulema have attempted to mediate the disputes between the two Tabligh factions..."

He further said, "Three people were killed at the Tongi Ijtema field. The perpetrators must be punished. If everyone works together, the issues can be resolved."

He also said the first phase of the Ijtema will take place on January 31, and preparations are ongoing as scheduled.

He, however, added, "Saad followers' involvement in the [December 18] attack" disqualifies them from arranging the second phase of Ijtema, which is scheduled for February 7-9.