Gazipur: The second phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema is set to begin tomorrow and will conclude with the Akheri Munajat (final prayer) on February 16. The district administration handed over the Tongi Ijtema ground to the followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi for this purpose on February 9, as stated by Mohammad Sayem, media coordinator for Saad followers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the timing of the second phase coincides with the holy Shab-e-Barat, prompting thousands of devotees to participate in the Ijtema Maidan to observe the night of fortune. The event will commence with ‘Aam Bayan’ (general sermon) following the Fajr prayers. Devotees from different districts and various parts of the world have already begun arriving at the Ijtema Maidan.
The ‘Bayan Mancha’ has been established in the northwest of the Ijtema ground to accommodate both domestic and international devotees, with special arrangements for foreigners on the west side of the Bayan Mancha. Additionally, a floating bridge over the Turag River has been constructed by the Army and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) to facilitate the smooth transportation of attendees.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Police Commissioner (Crime-South) NM Nasir Uddin assured that law enforcement agencies will carry out their duties with sincerity and responsibility during the second phase, as in previous times. He expressed a need for everyone’s cooperation to ensure a peaceful conclusion to the Ijtema. Gazipur Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Md Wahid Hossain added that the ground will be handed back to the district administrator upon completion of the event on February 18.