Home minister: No militancy threats in the country

"We are working considering every possible security aspects. Law enforcers have undertaken all the necessary security measures to hold the Bishwa Ijtema peacefully," he said while presiding over a review meeting on the preparation of the Bishwa Ijtema at Tongi municipality under Gazipur City Corporation, reports BSS. The minister said law enforcers including intelligence agencies are working in the field on the occasion of Bishwa Ijtema, adding: "Our security personnel are experts at covering the technical aspects and they have everything under control." He said about 20,000 foreign pilgrims from 101 countries took part in the Bishwa Ijtema last year, with an increase in the number this. Besides, spoke in the meeting as the chief guest, while lawmaker Zahid Ahsan Russel, Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque delivered their speeches as special guests. Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, will begin on the bank of the Turag River in Tongi on January 13, while the second phase will be held on January 20-22. Liberation War affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Hoque said plainclothes policemen would be deployed along with uniformed police, supported by RAB, Ansar and Armed Police Battalion personnel in large numbers in and around the Ijtema venue to ensure the security of the pilgrims.