Bishwa Ijtema begins January 12

Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the world’s Muslims, is scheduled to be held in two phases on the bank of the river Turag, on the outskirt of the capital Dhaka, from January 12-14 and January 19-21.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal revealed the schedule before newsmen after a meeting held on law and order at the home ministry office in Dhaka this noon.

“We will take special security measures including deployment of Rapid Action Battalion, bomb disposal units, dog squads and others law enforcers to ensure smooth holding of the two phases Ijtema,” Kamal said.

Several control rooms, watch towers and a number of close circuit camera will be installed at different strategic points in and around the area to avert any untoward incidents there, the home minister said.

Responding to a query, Kamal said the security personnel are very much skilled in technology and they would consider every possible security aspects to hold the Ijtema in a peaceful manner.

Apart from these, the government will set up fire service station and police control room.

Medical team will also be deployed to provide health services to the devotees and special initiatives will also be taken to keep traffic easy in the areas, he added.

Responding to another query about participation of the Rohingya Muslims in the Ijtema, Kamal said they (Rohinya Muslims) are foreigners and they will have to maintain the due rules which are followed by the foreign people in taking part in the Ijtema.

Kamal said there is no Bangladeshi embassy and mission in many countries across the world. If people of those countries are eager to attend the Bishwa Ijtema, they will be given “on arrival visa on condition” for 30 days. But they will have to take approval from the Tablighi Jamaat, he added.

After their arrivals, time limit of their visas will be extended based on the approval, the home minister said.