The Tabligh Jamaat faction loyal to Maulana Saad Kandhalvi has urged the government to facilitate his arrival for the upcoming Biswa Ijtema.

It submitted a memorandum to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday, Md Sayem, media coordinator for the faction, said in a press release.  

Members and scholars (Ulama-e-Keram) of the faction also submitted memorandums to deputy commissioners of all 64 districts, and officers-in-charge of police stations in Dhaka. The faction urged the government to issue a visa for Maulana Saad and appealed for equal treatment and cooperation.

The press release said Maulana Saad's presence would elevate the event to a global level and draw an estimated 50,000 foreign attendees.

The first phase of the Biswa Ijtema, led by Maulana Zubair Ahmad's faction, will be held from January 31 to February 2, 2025. The second phase, to be organised by Maulana Saad's followers, will be held from February 7 to 9.

Maulana Saad's followers alleged discrimination during the Awami League's tenure. They said they were unable to bring their spiritual leader to Bangladesh for the past seven years due to opposition from former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. However, Maulana Zubair's followers have been able to bring their spiritual leader without obstacles.

"We hope the anti-discrimination government will address our demands and facilitate Maulana Saad's arrival," the group said in the press release, adding, "We are committed to ensuring his participation in the upcoming Ijtema at any cost."