The first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema, the world’s second-largest Muslim congregation, began today on the bank of the Turag River in Gazipur’s Tongi.

The authorities concerned have completed the necessary preparations to hold the religious gathering smoothly.

A good number of foreign devotees from different parts of the world, along with local ones, have already thronged the Ijtema venue and are now staying at 91 designated Khittas.

The first phase of Ijtema started after Fajr prayers through Aam Bayan on Friday and will end on Sunday after Akheri Munajat.

Devotees from different foreign countries, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Europe, America, and Africa, have reached the venue.

This year, facilities for foreign devotees, including water supply, cooking management, and security, have been improved, said Religious Affairs Minister Faridul Haque Khan after inaugurating a free health camp at the Ijtema venue on Thursday.

“Those who are involved in violence cannot be the followers of Tablig Jamaat. As per the prime minister’s directives to ensure the highest facilities for the devotees, all public representatives and government offices concerned have been asked to take steps to mitigate the sufferings of the devotees,” he said.

Besides, 50 free medical camps were installed, and additional beds were arranged at Shahid Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital for providing medical treatment.

Ambulances will be kept ready to provide emergency services.

Meanwhile, 15,000 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.

RAB will perform duties alongside the police, and watchtowers will be set up to observe the overall situation.

The cyber team will strengthen their surveillance to prevent the spread of rumours on social networking sites.

Deputy Commissioner Abul Fate Mohammad Shafiqul Islam said five mobile teams will perform their duties round the clock to prevent the sale of adulterated food and ensure a peaceful atmosphere.

Meanwhile, two devotees died after arriving at the Ijtema venue.

The deceased were identified as Yunus Mia, 60, of Brahmanbaria’s Sarail, and Jamal Uddin, 40, of Sadar upazila in Chapainawabganj district.

Both of them died of cardiac arrest, said Farhana Tasnim, physician at Shaheed Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital.

BDST: 1029 HRS, FEB 02, 2024
MN