Special vigil for participants from some specific countries

FE Team | Published: January 18, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

In the wake of widespread violence across the country, the authorities have taken tough security measures for the upcoming Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims after the holy Hajj, reports UNB.
This year, the three-day first phase of the Biswa Ijtema will begin on January 24 on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi on the outskirts of the capital while the second phase on January 31.
Biswa Ijtema coordinator and Gazipur district's deputy commissioner Nurul Islam told the news agency that additional security measures have been taken for the Ijtema this time, keeping in mind some recent incidents of sabotage across the country.
State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan said a greater number of troops from various law-enforcement agencies will be deployed at Tongi to ensure the foolproof security of the devotees at the Ijtema this year compared to that of the previous year.
Adequate numbers of RAB, police, BGB and Ansar personnel will patrol the Ijtema venue round the clock before and after the congregation, Asaduzzaman said adding that the law enforcers will keep a strong vigil to fend off any unpleasant incident.
Sources at the Home Ministry said the law-enforcement agencies, including the intelligence units, have been directed to keep sharp watch on Ijtema participants from a few specific countries.
Intelligence reports claim there are conspiracies by national, international quarters to conduct acts of sabotage because of the ongoing war crimes trial, the sources added.
Besides the security beef-up, different government agencies are working to ensure proper transportation, sanitation, fire safety measures, water supply, electricity supply, health services for the Ijtema devotees, said DC Nurul Islam.
Special arrangements will be made for the transportation and accommodation of the foreign participants, he said, adding that the number of foreign participants is likely to increase this year compared to that of the previous Ijtema.
About 30,000 foreigners joined the Ijtema last time, he recalled.
"The number of toilet and wash facilities has been increased compared to the ones last year. About 4,000 toilets are being set up. We'll also provide about 7.0 million gallons of water," he said.