Chittagong, Bangladesh: Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the Muslims after hajj, begins tomorrow (Friday) on the banks of the river Turag, at Tongi, according to religious sources.
“The first phase of the Ijtema will be held January 13-15, while the second phase takes place January 20-22,” the sources said.
“Tablig Jamaat has been organizing the Biswa Ijtema, also called the World Muslims' Congregation, every year since1946.”
Preparations for the Ijtema are almost completed, with thousands of volunteers working around the clock to prepare the venue on 160 acres of land to accommodate the devotees.
Tight security measures have been taken in and around the grounds to avert any unpleasant incidents, a management official said.
Around 12,000 security personnel from different agencies will be posted to ensure the safety of participants in the Ijtema, according to a security official.
Observation towers have been setup to watch public movement and close-circuit television cameras and video cameras have been installed at 17 entrances of the venue to keep watch on the grounds.
Helicopters, speedboats and pickup vans will be on patrol and fire brigade cars and ambulances will be ready for any emergency.
This year, 15 bailey bridges have been set up to connect the Ijtema venue with the western side of the Turag River.
Special measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity during the three-day event.
Apart from the existing 10 deep tube-wells, the public health and engineering departments and Army have taken separate measures to ensure water supply for the devotees.
Some 2,340 toilets have been setup around the venue.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has arranged special bus services on the occasion of Bishwa Ijtema to facilitate the movement of devotees.
The BRTC said in an official release yesterday it will run special services with its single and double-decker buses from January 12 to January 24. A reserved bus from Joarsahara Bus Depot will also carry the foreign devotees with its single service from the Airport to Ijtema field during that period.
A control room has been opened at Joarsahara Bus Depot to ensure smooth bus service for foreign guests.
The three-day religious gathering includes delivering boyans (sermons) on the fundamental issues of Tablig, prayer for the spiritual adulation, exaltation and welfare of the Muslim Ummah, a religious leader from Dhaka said.
The congregation will start formally with religious sermons after Fazr prayers and conclude with the Akheri Munajat (final prayers).
According to different sources, over 25,000 devotees from over 100 countries, including China, USA, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UK are expected to take part in the Ijtema.
