Rangpur: The ninth three-day Rangpur Divisional Ijtema of Tablighi Jamaat has commenced at the expansive Amashu Kukrul Field in Ward No 4 of Rangpur City Corporation, drawing thousands of participants from various regions and countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ijtema activities started with the ‘Am Bayan’ after the Fajr prayers, attracting Musollis from across the Rangpur division, the broader country, and internationally. Islamic scholars, citing the Holy Quran and Hadith, emphasized the importance of following Allah’s commands and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for achieving happiness and peace in this world and the hereafter.
Organizers revealed that the Ijtema has been held in Rangpur city since 2010. To ensure its success, infrastructures such as awnings, water lines, electricity connections, and bicycle garages have been established at the Amashu Kukrul area. These facilities allow devotees to take their places comfortably under the awnings.
The organizing committee reported that Tablighi Jamaat members from eight districts-Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, and Dinajpur-are participating. Additionally, international guests from countries like India, Malaysia, and Indonesia have joined the event, with around 200 foreign guests expected.
Md Khalequzzaman Raja, a member of the organizing committee, expressed hopes for a turnout of one million devotees, despite the ground’s capacity being five lakh. Muhammad Hafizul Islam, overseeing the Ijtema ground, noted that attendees began arriving from Wednesday afternoon.
Support for the event comes from the Tablighi Jamaat, local residents, Rangpur City Corporation, district administration, and Rangpur Metropolitan Police, all working to maintain law and order. Md Shahidul Islam Shahid, a devotee from Panchagarh, praised the arrangements and expressed his desire to deepen his religious education at the Ijtema.
Md Shamimuzzaman Shamim, a local organizer, highlighted preparations such as the readiness of over one hundred generators and facilities for ablution and bathing for approximately 5,000 people simultaneously. Fifty medical teams are on standby to provide healthcare services.
Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Majid Ali assured that police are collaborating with the organizing committee to ensure a smooth event, with a multi-layered security zone and a police control room established for continuous supervision. The Ijtema will conclude with the ‘Akheri Munajats’ (final prayer) by noon on Saturday.