1st phase of Biswa Ijtema set to begin tomorrow

The first phase of the Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest congregations of Muslims, will begin on the bank of Turag tomorrow.

Followers of Maulana Zubair Ahmed will attend the first phase from January 31 to February 5 while those of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi will take part in the Ijtema from February 14 to 16 in the second phase.

Habibullah Rayhan, media coordinator of the Zubair faction of the Tabligh Jamaat, said the followers of Maulana Zubair from 42 districts will have their Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) on February 2, and those of 22 other districts will have their Akheri Munajat on February 5.

The followers of Maulana Saad will offer their Akheri Munajat on February 16, said Mohammad Sayem, media coordinator of the Saad faction of Tabligh Jamaat.

This is the first time the first phase is going to be held over six days with two concluding prayers.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam yesterday said he hoped that the 58th Biswa Ijtema will be held peacefully.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Ijtema ground, the IGP said that an unfortunate incident took place over this Ijtema, but both sides have shown responsibility.

The IGP gave updates on the tightened security measures, saying, "The security system and technology are much better now ... Rab is still involved in the security work. We are ready to deal with any kind of sabotage or unpleasant incident."

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan said, "We have held a coordination meeting with the city corporation, deputy commissioner, Roads and Highways Department, fire service, army, and Rab. After the meeting, we completed the overall security arrangements for the Ijtema."

He added that police would monitor the venue with drones so that they could take quick action if any incident occurs.

"We have implemented a five-layer security system. Every inch of the ground will be monitored from 16 watchtowers and through 335 CCTV cameras. We will keep law enforcers on duty on 35 rooftops and 20 check points. We will have 20 mobile teams to ensure that no one can occupy the footpath. We have placed 6,000 uniformed police personnel inside the ground," he said.

On December 18 last year, at least four people were killed and 50 others injured in a clash between the two factions of Tabligh Jamaat over control of the Ijtema ground.