In the wake of widespread violence across the country, authorities have decided to take sturdy security measures for the upcoming Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj.
The three-day first phase of Biswa Ijtema will begin on January 24 on the bank of Turag River at Tongi and the second phase will start on January 31.
Biswa Ijtema Coordinator and Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nurul Islam said additional security measures have been taken for Ijtema, keeping in mind some of the recent incidents of sabotage across the country, reports UNB.
State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan said a higher number of troops from various law enforcement agencies will be deployed at Tongi this year to ensure highest security of the devotees. Adequate number of RAB, police, BGB and Ansar personnel will patrol the venue and keep a strong vigil to avoid any unpleasant incident, he added.
Sources at the Home ministry said the law enforcement agencies, including the intelligence units, have been directed to keep an eye on Ijtema participants from a few specific countries. Recent intelligence reports claimed that there were conspiracies by national and international quarters to conduct acts of sabotage because of the ongoing war crimes trial, the sources added.
DC Nurul Islam said besides the security beef-up, different government agencies will be working to ensure proper transportation, sanitation, fire safety measures, water supply, electricity supply, health services for the devotees.
“About 4,000 toilets are being set up at the venue and we will also provide about 70 lakh gallons of water,” he added.
Sources at the Communications ministry said some 300 BRTC buses will be operating to facilitate the movement of the devotees. The buses will be available in various areas of the capital, including Syedabad, Gulistan, Gabtali, Mohakhali, Joydevpur, Farmgate and Kamalapur.
Bangladesh Railway has also arranged additional trains and shuttle trains on various routes, including Dhaka-Tongi, Dhaka-Narayanganj and Dhaka-Gazipur routes.