1st phase Biswa Ijtema from Jan 9, 2nd one Jan 18

Authorities will take tight security measures for the upcoming 2-phase Biswa Ijtema, the 2nd largest congregation of Muslims after the Holy Hajj. Stating that a foolproof security will be in place, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Wednesday said that the 1st phase of the Biswa Ijtema will begin on January 9 on the bank of Turag River in Tongi of Gazipur on the outskirts of Dhaka city, while the 2nd phase on January 18. He said a larger number of troops from different law-enforcement agencies will be deployed in Tongi to provide adequate security for the devotees in and around the vast Ijtema ground. 'Several watch towers will be installed at the entrances of the Ijtema ground and adequate number of close circuit cameras will be set up, Kamal said. A control room for providing health services to the devotees will also be set up, the junior minister said. 'Besides, necessary steps will be taken for ensuring the smooth movement of traffic and easing traffic jams,' he told reporters after attending a meeting. He informed that a decision has been taken 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, according to a news agency.