The 58th Bishwa Ijtema, one of the largest Islamic gatherings in the world, will commence in Tongi from Friday.
This year’s Ijtema will be held in two phases under the supervision of Hazrat Ulama-e-Kiram, led by Shura-e-Nezam (Maulana Zubairul Hasan Kandhlawi’s supporters).
The first phase will take place from January 31 to February 2, while the second phase will be held from February 2 to February 5, confirmed Tablighi Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nezam’s media coordinator Habibullah Raihan.
Participants from various regions are expected to begin arriving at the venue from Wednesday afternoon, while both local and international attendees will start gathering from Thursday morning.
In the first phase (January 31 to February 2), worshippers from 41 districts — including Gazipur, Tongi, Dhamrai, Gaibandha, Mirpur, Kakrail, Natore, Moulvibazar, Rajshahi, Narail, Thakurgaon, Bogra, Narayanganj, Barisal, Khulna, and Comilla — will take part.
The second phase (February 2 to February 5) will include devotees from 22 districts such as Jatrabari, Keraniganj, Mohammadpur, Munshiganj, Manikganj, Joypurhat, Sylhet, Tangail, Noakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Naogaon, and Bandarban.
The decision to hold the Ijtema in two phases was made due to space constraints on the 160-acre Tongi field.
Overcrowding in previous years forced participants to camp on makeshift spaces such as toilet rooftops and roadsides, Habibullah Raihan explained.
The site is now fully prepared, with security measures in place. Watchtowers and 228 CCTV cameras have been installed, while law enforcement personnel in plainclothes will be deployed for added vigilance. Drones will also be used to monitor the area.
Thousands of volunteers, including madrasa students, are actively working to ensure a smooth experience for worshippers. Tasks include erecting canopies, setting up microphones, arranging bamboo poles, cleaning facilities, and installing electrical lines.
Construction of the main Bayan Manch (sermon stage) is nearly complete. Located at the northwest corner of the grounds, it will accommodate foreign guests. Multiple floating bridges have been built over the Turag River to facilitate the movement of devotees.
Tongi West police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Habibar Iskandar expressed confidence that the Ijtema would be held peacefully as in previous years.
“Police personnel have already been deployed to maintain law and order,” he said.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Deputy Commissioner NM Nasir Uddin assured that the event will be under strict security surveillance. Around 7,000 police officers will be deployed, both in uniform and plainclothes, alongside RAB and army personnel.