The government is planning to take precautionary measures in issuing visas, especially for the citizens of nine countries, on the occasion of Bishwa Ijtema – in apprehension of subversive acts.
Bishwa Ijtema (the second congregation of Muslim community) is scheduled to be held in two phases at Tongi. The first phase will be held on January 24-26, 2014 and the second one on January 31 and February 2.
On December 12 in a letter signed by Deputy Secretary Shahan Ara Banu the home ministry requested the foreign ministry to carefully issue visas for the people of those nine countries.
The Dhaka Tribune obtained a copy of the letter that said visas had to be issued taking into consideration the security concern.
The countries are: Nigeria, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Egypt, Yemen and Pakistan.
According to the letter, in the case of arrival of members of Tablig Jamaat from those countries the visa authorities will ask for recommendation from the Tablig Jamaat from the countries concerned.
On the basis of recommendation by the Tablig Jamaat visa can be issued.
Earlier, the directorate of National Security Intelligence, Special Branch and Madrasa Ulumi Dinia Alwali Masjid in this regard sent letters to the home ministry, the letter said.