Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mollah Nazrul Islam on Friday said over 300 CCTV cameras have been installed for the Bishwa Ijtema on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, assuring that ironclad security will not let any untoward incidents happen.
The GMP chief was speaking to reporters in the central control room adjacent to the Ijtema ground in the morning.
“People are flocking to the Ijtema ground. Already a million people have gathered here. Around 2,000 foreign guests have come to the venue. The Gazipur Metropolitan Police is on the alert to ensure that devout Muslims can engage in the ritual and pray together peacefully,” he said.
“Various law enforcement agencies are working together. We are trying to keep everything under control. So far no incidents have happened here and we hope no acts of vandalism or robbery will take place in the future as we have provided foolproof security,” he added.
Dhaka TribuneEarlier, the GMP commissioner warned at a parade briefing on Thursday that if any kind of negligence is found in the security of Bishwa Ijtema, the officials to be blamed will be fired.
Many people will try to cause chaos by spreading misleading news on social media about the Ijtema. If anyone sees anything like this, it must be reported to the proper authorities, he said at the briefing where around 5,000 policemen were present.
He urged policemen to behave well with everyone who come to the Ijtema.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the main rituals of the Bishwa Ijtema, the second-largest congregation of Muslims, was held Friday morning.
Pakistan's Maulana Ziaul Haque started his sermons after Fajr prayers.
Thousands of Tabligh members in small and large groups – all clad in tupee and punjabi – came to the banks of the Turag River in Tongi on Thursday and filled the place ahead of the Ijtema.