'Seven-tier security for 2nd phase Biswa Ijtema'

Staff Correspondent, Gazipur: The second phase of 53rd Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest Muslim congregations in the world, will begin on Friday on the bank of Turag River at Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital.

Tight security measures have been taken for the event while several thousand members of different law enforcement agencies have been deployed in and around the Ijtema ground for ensuring security of the devotees.

Mohammad Harun-Or-Rashid, Superintendent of Police (SP) in Gazipur, said this in briefing on Thursday.

He said seven-tier of security measures have been taken for the second phase too. Some 6,500 law enforcers are deploying to ensure security in and around Ijtema premises.

The first phase of Biswa Ijtema was held at the same venue on 13-15 January. The second phase of the Ijtema will end through ‘Akheri Munajat’ on 21 January (Sunday).

Thousands of devotees from home and abroad started congregating on the bank of the Turag River to take part in the religious event to seek divine blessings of the Almighty Allah.

Tabligh Jamaat has been organizing the Ijtema at the venue since 1967.

However, the Ijtema is held in two phases since 2011 to ease the accommodation and transportation problem.

Several health centres have been set up at different parts of the venue along with first aid and other treatment facilities to provide health care services to the devotees.

Special measures have also been taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supply during the three-day Ijtema.

risingbd/Gazipur/January 18, 2018/Hasmot Ali/A K Azad