The first phase of the three-day Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims in the world, is set to begin on Friday morning on the bank of the Turag River in Gazipur's Tongi under tight security.
Already the 160 acres of the Ijtema ground has filled to the brim. Many Muslims failed to secure a place in the main ground and took positions on both sides of the entrance to the Ijtema ground. All preparations have already been completed. On the northwest side of the grounds, international camps have been built for guests from different countries.
Engineer Abdun Noor, member of the organizing committee, informed that the main formalities of Bishwa Ijtema will begin on Friday after the Fajr prayer. The first phase of the three-day Bishwa Ijtema will end on Sunday with the Akheri Munajat.
To the west of the ground, a prayer pulpit has been constructed. A stage has been constructed on the northwest side of the foreign pilgrims’ residence. Akheri Munajat will be conducted from that stage.
As per the prevailing custom of Ijtema, the International Religious Conference will begin without a formal opening. There is no chief or special guest or president in this grand meeting. Muslim scholars of different countries without names will present only religious and non-political discourses at this conference.
Maulana Zubair Hassan’s group will participate in the first phase of the Ijtema from Friday while Maulana Saad Kandhalvi’s followers will join the second phase from February 9 after four days.
First phase media person Mufti Jahir Ibne Muslim informed that domestic pilgrims will stay at the particular “Khitta” attained for them. Some 500 student volunteers have been prepared to assist the international pilgrims regarding food.
Shaheed Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital administrator Jahangir Alam said that initiatives have been taken to offer free medical care to the pilgrims. Fifty free medical camps have been installed and additional beds arranged at Shahid Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital. Besides, 10 ambulances will be available for emergencies.
Security tightened
The Ijtema ground and the surrounding area have been covered with tight security. Law enforcement forces have set up several control centres and observation towers around the field for round-the-clock surveillance.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mahbub Alam said that seven thousand members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed to maintain law and order at the Ijtema venue and adjacent areas.
Besides, plainclothes police and intelligence officers will remain deployed in the area.
“The cyber team will strengthen their surveillance to prevent the spread of rumours on social networking sites,” added the police commissioner.
RAB will perform duties alongside police and watchtowers will be set up to observe the overall situation. A team of fighter fighters will be present there to avoid any fire incidents.
RAB Forces Headquarters RAB-1 along with five other battalions will be in charge of overall security in Ijtema. A control room has been set up for round-the-clock monitoring of security in the Ijtema area.
RAB's Special Bomb Disposal Unit and adequate striking reserve force are kept round-the-clock to deal with any emerging situation.
Regular checkposts are being set up in front of Cherag Ali Bus Stand, Tongi-Kaliganj Road, Uttara North Tower and Ashulia-Kamarpara area to search Ijtema-bound vehicles and passengers.
