Jump to content

Towhidi Janata

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Touhidi Janata)

Towhidi Janata
তৌহিদী জনতা
Also known asTowhidi Muslim Janata
Dates of operation2013 (2013)–present
Country Bangladesh
AllegianceHefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh (alleged)
Motives13-point demand
IdeologyIslamic fundamentalism
Islamic extremism
Political positionFar-right
Notable attacksSee activities

Towhidi Muslim Janata (Bengali: তৌহিদী মুসলিম জনতা, romanized: Tôuhidī Muslim Jônôtā, lit. 'Monotheist Muslim Mass'), or simply Towhidi Janata, is a term that refers to a group of Islamist extremist people in Bangladesh. They been involved in protests, movements, and clashes centered around religious issues at various times.[1]

Under the banners of Tawhidi Janata and devout Muslims, there have been instances in Bangladesh where they have attempted to prevent the participation of entertainment industry figures and personalities, particularly female artists, in various social and cultural events.[2]

Origin and meaning

The term Tawhidi Janata is formed by combining two separate words from Arabic and Bengali. The word Tawhid refers to the oneness of Allah. From Tawhid, the term Tawhidi is derived, meaning someone who believes in the oneness of Allah. The word Janata comes from Bengali, meaning the general public or a group of people. Together, these words form Tawhidi Janata, which translates to "people who follow Tawhid" or "supporters of monotheism."[3]

In the context of Bangladesh, Tawhidi Janata or Touhidi Janata is used to express the general Muslim community of Bangladesh like in the context of 1975,[4] 1997,[5] 1998,[6] 2001[7] etc.

On April 8, 2013, Al Jazeera used the term Tawhidi Janata to refer to revolutionary people.[8] On November 11, 2016, New Age reported that Tawhidi Janata was part of a national group supported by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.[9] On February 21, 2025, during a pre-protest gathering under the banner of Tawhidi Chhatra-Janata at the Baitul Mukarram premises, Islamic speaker Enayetullah Abbasi called for the implementation of the 13-point demand originally raised by Hefazat-e-Islam in 2013.[10]

Activities

Bhola Clashes

On 20 October 2019, activists of Towhidi Muslim Janata gathered in Borhanuddin, Bhola and alleged that a local Hindu youth had defamed Islam on social media.[11][12] The activists burned down the home of a Hindu family and damaged 12 others.[11] They engaged in violent clashes with the police which resulted in four deaths.[11][13] Hefazat-e-Islam threatened the government with seize of Shapla Chattwar if they did not take action against police personals who shot at Towhidi Janata activists in Bhola.[14] Locals in Bhola alleged the slogans of Towhidi Janata were raised by activists of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.[15]

Violence in Cumilla, Chandpur, and Bandarban

In 2021, violence erupted following the alleged desecration of the Quran at a Durga Puja pavilion in Cumilla, which later spread to Hajiganj in Chandpur. Several temples were attacked, and clashes with the police occurred.[16] A protest march was organized under the banner of Tawhidi Muslim Janata in Chandpur, during which demonstrators threw stones at Hindu temples. Clashes with the police led to the deaths of four people and injuries to fifty others.[17]

In response to the same incident, on October 14, a protest gathering was held under the banner of Tawhidi Janata in the Lama Upazila Parishad area of Bandarban. Following the rally, attacks took place on the Lama Central Hari Temple and a Durga Puja pavilion. Additionally, Hindu-owned shops and businesses in the local market were vandalized and looted.[18] These scattered incidents then snowballed into nationwide anti-Hindu riots.

Opposition to Sculptures

In December 2016, a sculpture resembling the Greek goddess Themis, symbolizing justice, was installed on the premises of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.[19] Hefazat-e-Islam and other religious groups, opposed the installation, stating that Tawhidi Janata would not accept sculptures or Murti. They demanded the removal of this statue as well as other sculptures across the country.[20] Subsequently in May 2017, the sculpture was removed.[21]

In 2020, several Islamist groups opposed the planned construction of a sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Dholairpar Square in Dhaka.[22][23] They argued that sculptures were inappropriate from an Islamic perspective and announced a Tawhidi Janata-led movement to halt the construction.[24]

In January 2025, a mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner's office was vandalized. Prior to this incident, Tawhidi Janata and local Islamic scholars had organized protests and demonstrations demanding its removal.[25][26]

Opposition to Women's Sports

On January 28, 2025, in Akkelpur Upazila of Joypurhat, a tin fence surrounding the Tilakpur High School field was vandalized in protest against a women’s friendly football match.[27][28]

On the same day, protests took place during a women's football tournament in Hili, Dinajpur. Under the banner of Tawhidi Janata, a group organized a demonstration, claiming that sports were religiously prohibited. They attempted to halt the tournament, leading to clashes that resulted in at least ten people being injured.[1][29][30][31]

Obstruction of Events Featuring Female Celebrities

On November 3, 2024, in Chattogram, local businessmen and Tawhidi Janata obstructed an event where actress Mehazabien Chowdhury was invited to inaugurate a showroom in the Riazuddin Bazar area of Station Road.[32][33]

On January 25, 2025, actress Pori Moni was invited to inaugurate a shopping mall in Elenga, Tangail. However, Hefazat-e-Islam and the Jatiyo Olama Mashayekh Aimma Parishad opposed her presence, leading to the event’s cancellation.[2][34]

Similarly, on January 29, 2025, when actress Apu Biswas was invited to inaugurate a restaurant in Kamrangirchar, Dhaka, some Muslim groups expressed their opposition to her participation.[1][35]

Attacks on Shrines

See also: Bangladesh post-resignation violence (2024–present)

In 2024, several shrines in Bangladesh were attacked and set on fire at different times. According to a report by the Manobadhikar Songskriti Foundation, nearly 12 such incidents occurred in September alone. This marked the first instance in Bangladesh where shrines were attacked following public declarations. The individuals involved in these attacks identified themselves under the banner of Tawhidi Janata.[36][37]

In Narayanganj, Tawhidi Janata opposed the century-old Urs and fair held in honor of Sufi saint Shah Solaiman Lengta.[38] Additionally, a shrine associated with Dewanbagh Pir in Mymensingh was attacked following online campaigns under the Tawhidi Janata banner.[39] Similar attacks and arson incidents were carried out at the shrines of Doja Pir in Sherpur and Arshed Pagla in Shariatpur.[40][41]

On February 20, 2025, the shrine of Shah Sufi Ayub Ali Darvesh in Noakhali was vandalized in an attack allegedly carried out by a group under the Tawhidi Janata banner.[42][43][44]

Opposition to Cultural Events

In November 2024, a cultural event titled Mohoti Sadhusang and Lalon Mela was canceled in Narayanganj following objections from Hefazat-e-Islam and local Tawhidi Janata.[45][46][47] Hefazat-e-Islam claimed that the event promoted "distorted culture" under the guise of a Lalon festival. The district administration stated that the cancellation decision was made due to ongoing protests by mosque congregants and Hefazat-e-Islam, which raised concerns about law and order.[48]

On February 14, 2025, violence erupted in Bhuapur Upazila of Tangail over the celebration of Boshonto Boron (Spring Festival) and Valentine's Day. A group under the Tawhidi Janata banner vandalized flower shops and staged protests in front of restaurants.[49][50] As a result, Udichi Shilpigoshthi was forced to cancel their planned Spring Festival event.[51] Additionally, anti-festival leaflets were distributed in Gopalpur Upazila, particularly targeting the Kite Festival, causing fear among organizers and leading to its cancellation.[52]

The Dhaka Metropolitan Theatre Festival was also postponed due to threats from a group allegedly linked to Tawhidi Janata.[53][54][50] The festival was scheduled to open on February 15, 2025, at the Mohila Samity Auditorium on Natok Sarani, Dhaka. However, on the evening of February 14, several individuals visited the venue, objected to the festival, and issued threats of violence if it proceeded.[55]

Chaos at the book fair

In the 2025 Ekushey Book Fair, a group named Touhidi Janata attacked a stall named Sabyasachi for displaying books by exiled writer Taslima Nasrin, leading to its temporary closure. The government strongly condemned the incident, calling it a violation of citizens' rights. The Chief Adviser ordered the perpetrators to be brought under the law and instructed the police and Bangla Academy to strengthen security at the fair.[56][57]

During another day of the Ekushey Book Fair in 2025, controversy arose over the sale of sanitary napkins at two stalls. Some Islamist groups labeled sanitary napkins as "private items" and demanded a ban on their public display and sale.[58][59][60] In response to the complaints, Bangla Academy shut down the two stalls, citing fair regulations that only permit the sale of books and food items.[61] The academy clarified that the decision was not targeted at sanitary napkins specifically but applied to all unauthorized products.[62] However, Bangla Academy later issued a statement confirming that the free distribution of sanitary napkins at the book fair would continue.[63]

Violence against women

On March 5, 2025, Bangladesh police arrested a man for harassing a female student of Dhaka University on the street over her attire.[64] Later, a group of people identifying themselves as "Touhidi Janata" gathered in front of Shahbagh Thana, demanding the release of the arrested individual.[65] The accused was subsequently sent to court, where he was granted bail. Later, the victim decided to withdraw the case due to pressure from "Touhidi Janata"[66] and threats of rape and death.[67]

References

  1. ^ a b c 'তৌহিদী জনতা' নামে হামলা কারা করছে?. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). 30 January 2025. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  2. ^ a b 'অনুষ্ঠানে' যেতে কেন বারবার বাধার মুখে নারী তারকারা?. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). 31 January 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  3. ^ ভোলার তৌহিদী জনতা: আবেগী ধর্মপ্রাণ, না বিভ্রান্ত সাম্প্রদায়িক?. bdnews24.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  4. ^ সাঈদ, আবু আল (1992). বঙ্গভবনে মোশতাকের ৮১ দিন (in Bengali). p. 1.
  5. ^ Osder Publication (2014). Three Decades of Islamic Political Influence in Bangladesh (1971-2000). p. 277.
  6. ^ Deoband Movement: History Tradition Impact. p. 281.
  7. ^ Academic Press and Publishers Library (2007). Ulama and Political Dynamics in Bangladesh (1972–2001). p. 133.
  8. ^ Staff, Al Jazeera. "Bangladeshi clerics fight atheist bloggers". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  9. ^ "No work for fishermen, no labour for harvesting". New Age (Bangladesh). Archived from the original on 30 January 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  10. ^ প্রতিনিধি, বিশেষ (21 February 2025). হেফাজতের ১৩ দফা মেনে নিতে হবে, নতুবা আরেকটা বিপ্লব: এনায়েতউল্লাহ আব্বাসী. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  11. ^ a b c "4 Killed, 100 Injured". The Daily Star. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  12. ^ "From Bhola to Ramu: The same script. The question is Why". The Business Standard. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  13. ^ "4 killed, 50 injured as protesters clash with police over blasphemous Facebook post in Bangladesh". The Hindu. PTI. 20 October 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  14. ^ "Will siege Shapla Chattar 100 times if needed". The Daily Star. 23 October 2019. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  15. ^ "'Towhidi Muslim Janata' is the slogan of Jamaat". Bangladesh Post. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  16. ^ কুমিল্লার পূজামণ্ডপে কোরআন পাওয়ার জের ধরে চাঁদপুরেও হামলা, সংঘর্ষে ৪ জন নিহত. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  17. ^ "Security heightened across Bangladesh for Durga Puja celebrations". Dhaka Tribune. 6 December 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  18. ^ প্রতিনিধি (25 October 2021). লামায় মন্দিরে হামলা ও ব্যবসাপ্রতিষ্ঠানে লুটপাটের ঘটনায় গ্রেপ্তার আরও ২. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  19. ^ 'গ্রীক দেবী'র জায়গা হলো সুপ্রিম কোর্টের এনেক্স ভবনের সামনে. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  20. ^ সব মূর্তি সরানোর দাবি হেফাজতের. Samakal (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  21. ^ সুপ্রিম কোর্ট প্রাঙ্গন থেকে ভাস্কর্য সরানোর বিষয়ে হেফাজতে ইসলামের দাবির প্রতি শেখ হাসিনার সমর্থন কিসের ইঙ্গিত দিচ্ছে?. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  22. ^ ভাস্কর্য নির্মাণ: যে কোন উদ্দেশ্যে ভাস্কর্য তৈরি 'ইসলামে নিষিদ্ধ' বলে আলেমদের বিবৃতি. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  23. ^ মুজিব ভাস্কর্য: ইসলামপন্থীদের বিরোধিতায় অস্বস্তি আওয়ামী লীগে. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  24. ^ বঙ্গবন্ধুর ভাস্কর্য নিয়ে মুখোমুখি সরকার ও ইসলামপন্থিরা. Deutsche Welle (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  25. ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (31 January 2025). সিলেটে জেলা প্রশাসকের কার্যালয়ের সামনে থাকা বঙ্গবন্ধুর ম্যুরাল ভাঙচুর. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  26. ^ "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's mural at Sylhet DC office bulldozed". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  27. ^ প্রতিনিধি (28 January 2025). জয়পুরহাটে নারীদের ফুটবল ম্যাচ বন্ধ করতে খেলার মাঠের টিনের বেড়া ভাঙচুর. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  28. ^ "Girls' football match called off after venue vandalised". The Daily Star. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  29. ^ "নারী ফুটবল আয়োজনে 'তৌহিদি জনতা'র সঙ্গে সংঘর্ষ". Ekattor Television (in Bengali). 28 January 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  30. ^ 'তৌহিদি জনতার' সঙ্গে নারী ফুটবল টুর্নামেন্ট আয়োজক কমিটির সংঘর্ষ, আহত ৬. Dhaka Tribune (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  31. ^ ‘তৌহিদী জনতা’র বাধায় নারী ফুটবল খেলা বন্ধ, সংঘর্ষে আহত ১০. bdnews24.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  32. ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (3 November 2024). ‘ব্যবসায়ী ও তৌহিদি জনতা’র বাধা, শোরুম উদ্বোধন করতে পারেননি মেহজাবীন. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  33. ^ "Mehazabien: We decided to not go to the showroom due to lack of security". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  34. ^ প্রতিবেদক, প্রতিনিধি, বিনোদন (25 January 2025). বাধার মুখে টাঙ্গাইলের অনুষ্ঠানে যাননি পরীমনি. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  35. ^ প্রতিবেদক, বিনোদন (29 January 2025). অপু বিশ্বাসকে কামরাঙ্গীরচরে রেস্টুরেন্ট উদ্বোধনে বাধা. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  36. ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (1 October 2024). সেপ্টেম্বরে মাজারে হামলা ও অগ্নিসংযোগের ১২ ঘটনা: এমএসএফ. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  37. ^ "msf | Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation". MSF. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  38. ^ ‘তৌহিদী জনতা’র আপত্তির মুখে নারায়ণগঞ্জে এবার আটকাল ‘লেংটার মেলা’. bdnews24.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  39. ^ অফিস, ময়মনসিংহ (8 September 2024). ময়মনসিংহে দেওয়ানবাগ পীরের দরবারে হামলা, ভাঙচুরের চেষ্টা. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  40. ^ শেরপুরে মাজারে ফের হামলা, লুটপাট, অগ্নিসংযোগ. Samakal. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  41. ^ প্রতিনিধি, জেলা (13 September 2024). ভাঙচুর শেষে আরশেদ পাগলার মাজারে অগ্নিসংযোগ. Dhaka Post (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  42. ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (20 February 2025). নোয়াখালীতে ওরসের অনুষ্ঠানে হামলা, মাজার ভাঙচুর. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  43. ^ নোয়াখালীতে মাজারে ভাঙচুর-অগ্নিসংযোগ, ‘আহত ১০’. bdnews24.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  44. ^ নোয়াখালীতে মাজারে ভাঙচুর, আহত ১০. Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  45. ^ নারায়ণগঞ্জে `লালন মেলা’ না করতে হুমকি, আতঙ্কে আয়োজকরা. bdnews24.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  46. ^ ‘সব পুড়িয়ে ফেলার’ হুমকি, পণ্ড হল লালনমেলার আয়োজন. bdnews24.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  47. ^ "Threat to 'burn everything' halts Lalon Mela in Narayanganj". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  48. ^ নারায়ণগঞ্জের 'মহতী সাধুসঙ্গ ও লালন মেলা': হেফাজতের আপত্তির মুখে বন্ধ হয়ে গেল. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). 23 November 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  49. ^ ভালোবাসা দিবস বন্ধে তৌহিদী জনতার বিক্ষোভ, ফুলের দোকান ভাঙচুর, আটক ১. Dhaka Mail. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  50. ^ a b তৌহিদী জনতা কারা, তাদের থামাবে কে?. Deutsche Welle (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  51. ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (15 February 2025). টাঙ্গাইলে ফুলের দোকানে ‘তৌহিদি জনতা’র ভাঙচুরের পর আতঙ্কে ঘুড়ি উৎসব বন্ধ. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  52. ^ ফুলের দোকানে ভাঙচুরের পর ঘুড়ি উৎসব স্থগিত. Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  53. ^ বাধার মুখে বন্ধ হচ্ছে একের পর এক সাংস্কৃতিক অনুষ্ঠান. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). 17 February 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  54. ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (15 February 2025). ‘ঢাকা মহানগর নাট্য উৎসব’ স্থগিত করায় প্রতিবাদ ও নিন্দা উদীচীর. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  55. ^ হুমকির অভিযোগ, স্থগিত ঢাকা মহানগর নাট্যোৎসব. Dhaka Tribune (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  56. ^ স্টলে হামলা, দোষীদের আইনের আওতায় আনার নির্দেশ প্রধান উপদেষ্টার. Dhaka Post (in Bengali). 11 February 2025. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
  57. ^ "Scuffle over keeping Taslima Nasrin's book, stall closed". Prothom Alo. 10 February 2025. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
  58. ^ ‘মব আশঙ্কায়’ বইমেলা থেকে সরানো হলো স্যানিটারি ন্যাপকিন. Dhaka Tribune (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  59. ^ ‘তৌহিদী জনতার’ আপত্তিতে বইমেলায় স্যানিটারি ন্যাপকিন রাখা স্টল বন্ধ. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  60. ^ Sumy, Kamrun Nahar (23 February 2025). "Attacks on women left largely unattended". New Age (Bangladesh).
  61. ^ স্যানিটারি ন্যাপকিন নিয়ে আলোচনা আমাদের জন্য বেদনার. The Daily Ittefaq (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  62. ^ প্রতিনিধি, বিশেষ (16 February 2025). বইমেলায় স্যানিটারি ন্যাপকিন বিক্রি করায় দুটি স্টল বন্ধ. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  63. ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (17 February 2025). বইমেলায় বিনা মূল্যে স্যানিটারি ন্যাপকিন বিতরণ চলবে: বাংলা একাডেমি. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  64. ^ প্রতিবেদক (5 March 2025). ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের ছাত্রীকে হেনস্তা, অভিযুক্ত গ্রেপ্তার. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  65. ^ রিপোর্ট, স্টার অনলাইন (6 March 2025). ঢাবির নারী শিক্ষার্থীকে হেনস্তা: ৮ ঘণ্টা পর শাহবাগ থানা ছাড়ল ‘তৌহিদী জনতা’. The Daily Star Bangla. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  66. ^ ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে 'নারী হেনস্তা'য় অভিযুক্ত মুক্ত, মামলা প্রত্যাহারের ঘটনায় উদ্বেগ. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). 6 March 2025. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  67. ^ রেপ ও ডেথ থ্রেটের কথা জানালেন ঢাবির সেই শিক্ষার্থী. Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). 7 March 2025. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Towhidi_Janata&oldid=1281274341"