First phase of Biswa Ijtema begins tomorrow

The three-day first phase of Biswa Ijtema, the world Muslim congregation, begins on Friday on the bank of river Turag at Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka.

The congregation, organized by Tablig Jamaat, will conclude on Sunday through the final prayers `Akheri Munajat`.

The Ijtema will begin with `Ambayan` (general sermon) after Fazar prayers tomorrow.

The second phase of the Ijtema will begin on January 15 and conclude on January 17 through another Akheri Munajat.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have given separate messages on the eve of the Ijtema. They have greeted all the devotees and wished success of the event.

All preparations for holding the Biswa Ijtema have already been completed.

Thousands of devotees, both local and foreign, have already arrived at the Ijtema venue divided into different khittas (parts). More people are still coming on foot and by trains, buses and launches.

Around several thousand loudspeakers have been arranged for the Ijtema to facilitate devotees hearing sermons of the religious leaders and scholars.

Besides this, makeshift toilets have been set up to ensure sanitation of the devotees.

Bangladesh Army has constructed seven pontoon bridges connecting the two banks of the Turag for movements of the devotees.

Gazipur City Corporation, district administration, RAB, police, Asnar-VDP have set up five control rooms.

Fire Service and Civil Defence has also set up a control room.

Members from different law enforcement agencies have been deployed in and around the Ijtema ground for ensuring security of the devotees.

Minister for Religious Affairs Principal Matiur Rahman today visited the Ijtema ground and inaugurated a free medical camp of Hamdard.

Railways Minister Mujibul Haq visited Tongi junction to see the overall facilities for the Ijtema devotees.

Gazipur Civil Surgeon M Ali Haider said number of beds has been increased in Tongi hospital to serve the devotees. Besides, six medical camps have been set up to serve the devotees. Fourteen ambulances have been kept to take serious patients to hospitals.

Gazipur Deputy Commissioner SM Alam said, the district administration is monitoring the Ijtema regularly to ensure welfare of the devotees.