The interim government's effort to reconcile the two feuding factions of Tabligh Jamaat has not succeeded, and, as in recent years, the annual congregation, Bishwa Ijtema, will proceed in two phases.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury met with representatives of both factions at the Ministry of Home Affairs in a bid to ensure a peaceful and smooth event. Following the meeting, he announced that the first phase of Ijtema will take place from January 31 to February 2, and the second phase from February 7 to 9.
Bishwa Ijtema, the world’s largest Tabligh Jamaat gathering, is held annually on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, on the outskirts of Dhaka.
Attended by devout Muslims from around the globe, it has become a winter tradition, usually held in January or February. This year marks the 58th Ijtema.