Special Correspondent :
The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema begins today (Friday) after Fazr prayers through A’am Bayan (primary sermon) on the bank of the Turag River in Tongi, on the outskirts of the city, amid high security.
A day before the start of the event, the Ijtema venue is already crowded with followers of the Tabligh Jamaat. With the 160-acre ground almost filled to capacity, the crowds have spilled over to the roads outside the venue.
Many Ijtema devotees from India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and African countries have already reached the Ijtema ground, sources of the Ijtema organizers said.
Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Faridul Huq Khan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) M Khurshid Hossain visited the Ijtema ground to inspect the overall preparation including security measures.
Engineer Abdun Noor, a member of the Ijtema organising committee, said that the venue is teeming with millions of Muslims from around the globe, making Tongi’s Turag river bank a hub of activity.
To accommodate the early arrivals, spiritual leaders began delivering sermons from Thursday’s Fazr prayers, with pilgrims engaging in prayers and religious devotion to pass the time.
Meanwhile, two devotees of the first phase Bishwa Ijtema died on Wednesday.
CCTVs and watch towers have been installed while patrol teams have been deployed to maintain security at and around the Ijtema venue.
At least 15,000 policemen, including RAB and plain cloth security personnel, will ensure overall security during two phases of Bishwa Ijtema.
However, several thousands of ijtema devotees from home and abroad have already been gathered at the Bishwa Ijtema ground.
Ijtema Chief Coordinator Md Mahfuzur Rahman said the followers of Maulana Zubairul Hasan Kandhlawi will join the first phase of Bishwa Ijtema to be held from 2 to 4 February.
With the participation of the supporters of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, the second phase of the Ijtema will be held at the same venue from 9 to 11 February.
More than 50 free medical camps have been set up by the government, private and various organizations for the convenience of Ijtema devotees around the Bishwa Ijtema ground.
Apart from this, Shaheed Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital has increased the number of beds along with provision of ambulance service for urgent needs.
“Some 15,000 policemen will ensure overall security during two phases of Bishwa Ijtema on the bank of Turag River in Tongi.
There is no threat of militant attack centring the Bishwa Ijtema,” IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun told reporters after visiting the Ijtema ground.
Besides, the members of the Bomb Disposal Unit, SWAT, Dog Squad, Crime Scene and teams trained on explosive substances have been deployed. Naval and air patrolling will be arranged.
The Bishwa Ijtema (World Congregation) is an annual gathering of Muslims. It is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world.
The entry and exit points of the ijtema ground have already been brought under CCTV cameras, IP cameras and video cameras, the IGP said.
Archways and handheld metal detectors have been set up at the entrance. Special security measures have been taken for VIPs and foreign guests.
Cyber monitoring has been enhanced to thwart rumour and propaganda over the congregation of Muslims. The chief of the police urged all to refrain from all such kinds.
Engineer Md Mahfuz, another committee member, noted that although the main activities are scheduled to start on Friday, Tabligh Jamaat followers began congregating at the venue from Wednesday.
The influx of attendees continues, with people arriving in groups by various means of transportation, carrying essentials for their stay.
The organisers anticipate the arrival of devotees to continue through to the final prayer on Sunday.
