The first phase of Biswa Ijtema is scheduled to commence tomorrow

Followers of Maulana Zubair Ahmed will attend the first phase of Biswa Ijtema from January 31 to February 5, while followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi will participate in the second phase, scheduled from February 14 to 16. Habibullah Rayhan, media coordinator for the Zubair faction of Tabligh Jamaat, stated that followers of Maulana Zubair from 42 districts will hold their Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on February 2, and those from 22 other districts will perform theirs on February 5.

Meanwhile, followers of Maulana Saad will offer their Akheri Munajat on February 16, as confirmed by Mohammad Sayem, media coordinator for the Saad faction. This marks the first time the first phase will last six days, with two concluding prayer sessions.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam expressed hope for a peaceful 58th Biswa Ijtema. After inspecting the Ijtema grounds, the IGP acknowledged an unfortunate incident had occurred related to the event but praised both factions for their responsible behavior. He also provided updates on enhanced security measures, saying, "The security system and technology are much better now... Rab is still involved in the security work. We are prepared to handle any sabotage or untoward incident."

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan added that a coordination meeting was held with various authorities, including the city corporation, deputy commissioner, Roads and Highways Department, fire service, army, and Rab. Following the meeting, security arrangements for the Ijtema were finalized. 

He further stated that drones would be used to monitor the venue and enable a swift response in case of incidents. "We have implemented a five-layer security system. Every inch of the ground will be monitored by 16 watchtowers and 335 CCTV cameras. Law enforcement will be stationed on 35 rooftops and 20 checkpoints. We will have 20 mobile teams to ensure that no one occupies the footpaths. Additionally, 6,000 uniformed police personnel will be stationed inside the grounds," he explained.

The security measures come after a tragic incident on December 18 last year, when a clash between the two Tabligh Jamaat factions over control of the Ijtema grounds resulted in the deaths of at least four people and the injury of 50 others.