Staff Correspondent
Bishwa Ijtema, the religious gathering of Muslims Ummah from around the world began at Tongi on the outskirts of the capital amid tight security measures on Friday.
Organised by Tablig Jamaat on the bank of the river Turag in Gazipur district, the event is being attended by around three million Muslims including around one lakh women. People from at least 70 foreign countries are participating in the three-day congregation that will come to an end with the final prayer “Akheri Munajat” on Sunday.
According the sources, the Ijtema started formally after Jumma prayer. The religious sermons have already started. All sorts of stringent security measures have been taken by the authority to avert any untoward situation. Apart from this, preparation including provision for electricity, drinking water, and toilet facilities has been made for the devotees on the 160 acres of land.
Different social and religious organisations have set up charitable dispensaries to provide free medical facilities to the devotees round the clock. Around 50 medical teams along with a good numbers of sanitation teams are working in the Ijtema area. The Tongi Hospital has been equipped with additional facilities to ensure treatment facilities for the devotees.
On the other hand, huge contingent of law enforcers from different law enforcing agencies have been deployed to maintain law and order and avert any untoward situation. Abdul Baten superintendent of police of Gazipur district said around 8700 police including high officials, 100 BDR and 860 Armed Police Battalion have been keeping close watch at every strategic points in and around the area.
Besides, several patrol teams of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been deployed in the Ijtema area; some are hovering on board a helicopter to oversee the overall situation of the Ijtema ground. They have also set up around 44 close circuit cameras at different points with a temporary monitor cell, RAB sources said.
According to organisers, President Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, immediate past Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, Ministers of different Ministries, MPs and leaders from different political parties including BNP Chairperson and also the opposition leader in the parliament Begum Khaleda Zia will take part in the “Akheri Munajat” scheduled to be held on Sunday.
On the occasion, some 44 special trains and a good number of BRTC buses have already been arranged to ensure transport facilities to the devotees.
“It is a very big gathering of Muslin Ummah from across the world. So we feel proud to attend the Ijtema. It will contribute to strengthen fraternity among the Muslim Ummah,” Abdus Salam, a school teacher from Rajshahi told this reporter.
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
