A huge crowd gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday for the ‘International Khatme Nabuwwat Grand Conference’, demanding the state declaration of Qadianis as non-Muslims.

Organised by the Khatme Nabuwwat Protection Council, the event drew thousands of devout Muslims from across the country, regardless of political affiliation.

The conference began at 9am, with Islamic scholars (Alems) from five countries, including Bangladesh, joining the gathering, according to organisers.

Speakers at the event reiterated the demand for declaring Qadianis non-Muslims and urged Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to take immediate steps in this regard.

Top Islamic scholars from India, Pakistan and several other Muslim-majority countries attended the conference. Among them were Mufti Fazlur Rahman, president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan; Sayyid Mahmood Madani, president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (India); and Sheikh Abdur Rauf Makki, world deputy leader of the International Khatme Nabuwwat Movement.

From Bangladesh, prominent scholars including Hefazat-e-Islam Amir Maulana Shah Muhibullah Babunagari, Islami Andolan Amir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Amir Mamunul Haque attended the gathering.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed was also present at the conference.