Gazipur: The first phase of Biswa Ijtema will be conducted from January 31 to February 2, with the second phase scheduled from February 7 to 9, 2025. This event will take place on the banks of the Turag River at Tongi in the Gazipur district. The announcement was made by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury following a meeting with two factions of the Tabligh Jamaat at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting addressed various issues related to the Ijtema, including law and order, and overall security measures for the upcoming event. The Adviser emphasized the importance of unity among Islamic scholars and expressed willingness to engage in further discussions if needed.
The meeting also covered logistical and administrative aspects, such as setting the dates for Biswa Ijtema, preparing the grounds, and forming committees to ensure smooth operations. Other discussed topics included issuing visas for foreign guests, managing traffic for VVI
Ps, and establishing a control room for the event.
Efforts to provide uninterrupted power and water supply, sanitation, special transportation services, and construction of pontoon and floating bridges were also highlighted. Measures to prevent emergencies, offer first aid, manage makeshift shops, and regulate traffic congestion were part of the agenda. The meeting also stressed the importance of hygienic food supply and the removal of slums and illegal structures around the Ijtema site.
Key attendees included Religious Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, Industrial Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam, and other senior officials. The meeting was attended by followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, while representatives of Maulana Zubair Hasan were absent.
The Tabligh Jamaat has hosted the Bishwa Ijtema, regarded as the second largest Muslim congregation after the Hajj, in Tongi since 1967. The phased approach to the event was introduced in 2011 to better manage the growing n
umber of participants along the Turag River.