The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema will begin on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi, on the outskirts of the city, on Feb 2. Ijtema Chief Coordinator Md Mahfuzur Rahman said the followers of Maulana Zubairul Hasan Kandhlawi will join the first phase of Bishwa Ijtema to be held from Feb 2 to 4. With the participation of the supporters of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, the second phase of the Ijtema will be held at the same venue from Feb 9 to Feb 11. The government has taken adequate security measures ahead of the first phase of Biswa Ijtema, local media reported.
The Ijtema will begin with 'Aam Bayan' (general sermons) by noted Islamic scholars after Fazr prayers on Feb 2 and will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on Feb 4.
The security management of the Ijtema Maidan will be monitored through close circuit (CC) cameras, watch towers and rooftops while adequate number of police personnel and intelligence agencies in plain clothes will be on duty in every Khitta along with specialized teams, according to law enforcement sources.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mahbub Alam told that a total of 7,500 law enforcers including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), members of various intelligence agencies wearing plain clothes and Ansars will be deployed to ensure overall security of Biswa Ijtema. Air, roads, waterways and railways will be under the purview of strict surveillance and helicopters of RAB will also patrol the surrounding areas of the Ijtema ground.
Arrangements of metal detectors, night vision goggles, binoculars, bomb disposal team, anti-terrorism unit, helicopter-naval patrol, Quick Response Team/Support Unit (QRT), dog squad, forensic team, cyber patrolling and diving team will be available to tackle any untoward situation.
Additional Director General (operation) of Railway Department Sardar Sahadat Ali said 17 special trains will be operated for the convenience of devotees of the Bishwa Ijtema. Alongside the operation of the special trains, the authorities have scheduled for all inter-city and other trains to provide services during the Biswa Ijtema.
Civil surgeon of Gazipur District Hospital Dr Khairuzzaman said necessary measures have been taken to ensure healthcare services for devotees of the Ijtema.
