First phase of Ijtema to begin Jan 13

The first phase of the Biswa Ijtema in 2017 will be held from Jan 13 to 17.

After a four day break, the second phase of the event will begin on Jan 20 and end on Jan 22.

 The announcement was made by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after a meeting over visa facilitation for foreign visitors and maintenance of law and order at the Ijtema.

 Watch towers, archways and other security measures will be in place at the Ijtema, he said.

 A security committee headed by Dhaka’s divisional commissioner has been formed and will discuss security measures for the event.

 Steps have been taken to facilitate visas for foreign Ijtema attendees, said the home minister.

 “Foreigners from war-torn countries wanting to participate in the Ijtema will have their names sent to the home ministry,” he said. “We will then issue visas according to the list of names.”

 As many as 20,000 devotees from 101 countries around the world attended last year’s 51st Biswa Ijtema, the second largest Muslim congregation after the Hajj .

 The minister believes more will visit this year.

 The minister was asked whether there were concerns of possible militant attacks.

 “We always keep that in mind,” he replied. “We are always vigilant and will prepare accordingly.”

 “We are taking all necessary precautions for Ijtema,” he continued. “Detective police and other security forces will be present.”

 The event has been held regularly since 1967. The event has been organised in two segments since 2011 due to overcrowding.