First phase of 58th Biswa Ijtema begins
The first phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema, one of the largest congregations of Muslims in the world organised by Tabligh Jamaat, started today (31 January) on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital.
The Ijtema commenced with Aam Bayan (general sermons) by renowned scholars, including Pakistani religious cleric Maulana Ziaul Huq, following Fajr prayers.
Thousands of Muslim devotees from home and abroad participated in the Jummah prayers, led by Maulana Zubayer Ahmed.
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The first phase will conclude with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) next Sunday (2 February).
This year, the Ijtema will be held in three phases. The second phase will begin from 3 to 5 February and the third phase from 14 to 16 February.
Devotees from parts of Dhaka and 41 other districts will participate in the first phase, while devotees from the remaining parts of Dhaka and 22 other districts will attend the second phase.
Followers of Maulana Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi will participate in the third.
Security has been beefed up in and around the Ijtema ground to ensure the safety of devotees.
Appropriate legal measures will be taken to stop disorder, drug use, robbery, pick-pocketing, and partying around the Ijtema area, according to police.
"The security arrangements at the Ijtema Maidan and its surrounding areas have been strengthened much more than before," said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam after inspecting the security arrangements at the Ijtema ground last Wednesday.
As part of the measures to make the security foolproof, members of the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies in uniform and plain clothes have been deployed in large numbers.
The entire Ijtema ground and its surrounding areas have been brought under CCTV camera coverage while control rooms and archways in every entry point have been installed to beef up the security.
In case of any kind of chaos, the public is requested to inform the patrol in charge or the responsible RAB battalion and inform RAB (RAB Control Room hotline number: Mobile: 01777720029) to get RAB's cooperation.
