Authorities will take tight security measures for the upcoming two-phase Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims after the holy Hajj, said State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan on Wednesday, reports UNB.
The meeting decided not to allow Ijtema participants from five West African countries-Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Mali and Guinea-as a precautionary step to prevent the spread of Ebola, he said.
Asaduzzaman also said scanners will be installed at Shahjalal Airport to keep away any possible Ebola patient.
The foreign participants will get one-month visa for attending the Biswa Ijtema but if they want to go for chilla (to go for a 40-day jamaat somewhere) can have their visas extended for another 45 days, the state minister said.
This year, the first phase of the Biswa Ijtema will begin on January 9 on the bank of the Turag river at Tongi, while the second phase on January 18, said the junior minister while talking to reporters after a meeting on preparations of the Ijtema.
A larger number of troops from various law-enforcement agencies will be deployed at Tongi to ensure foolproof security of the devotees at the Ijtema, he said.
5 W African countries to be kept at bay for Ebola fear
FE Team | Published: November 27, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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