Muslims
UN observes 1st International Day against Islamophobia
The United Nations on Friday commemorated the first International Day to Combat Islamophobia with a special event in the General Assembly Hall, where speakers upheld the need for concrete action in the face of rising hatred, discrimination and violence against Muslims.
The observation followed the unanimous adoption of an Assembly resolution last year that proclaimed March 15 as the international day, calling for global dialogue that promotes tolerance, peace and respect for human rights and religious diversity.
As the UN secretary-general said the nearly two billion Muslims worldwide – who come from all corners of the planet – "reflect humanity in all its magnificent diversity. Yet, they often face bigotry and prejudice simply because of their faith."
Also, Muslim women can also suffer "triple discrimination" because of their gender, ethnicity, and faith.
The high-level event was co-convened by Pakistan, whose Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari underlined that Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and pluralism.
Although Islamophobia is not new, he said it is "a sad reality of our times" that is only increasing and spreading.
"Since the tragedy of 9/11, animosity and institutional suspicion of Muslims and Islam across the world have only escalated to epidemic proportions. A narrative has been developed and peddled which associates Muslim communities and their religion with violence and danger," said Zardari, also chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers.
"This Islamophobic narrative is not just confined to extremist, marginal propaganda, but regrettably has found acceptance by sections of mainstream media, academia, policymakers and state machinery."
UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi said Islamophobia is rooted in xenophobia, or the fear of strangers, which is reflected in discriminatory practices, travel bans, hate speech, bullying and targeting of other people.
He urged countries to uphold freedom of religion or belief, which is guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
"All of us carry a responsibility to challenge Islamophobia or any similar phenomenon, to call out injustice and condemn discrimination based on religion or belief – or the lack of them," he added.
Read more: Top UN woman urges Muslims: Move Taliban into 21st century
Kőrösi said education is key to learning why these phobias exist, and it can be "transformative" in changing how people understand each another.
The growing hate that Muslims face is not an isolated development, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said.
"It is an inexorable part of the resurgence of ethno-nationalism, neo-Nazi white supremacist ideologies, and violence targeting vulnerable populations, including Muslims, Jews, some minority Christian communities and others," he added.
"Discrimination diminishes us all. And it is incumbent on all of us to stand up against it. We must never be bystanders to bigotry.”"
Stressing that"we must strengthen our defences," Guterres highlighted UN measures such as a Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites. He also called for ramping up political, cultural, and economic investments in social cohesion.
Read more: No militant act undercover of Islam: PM
"And we must confront bigotry wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head. This includes working to tackle the hate that spreads like wildfire across the internet." he added.
2nd phase of Biswa Ijtema begins
The second phase of the three-day Biswa Ijtema, billed as the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, began on the banks of the River Turag in Tongi Friday.
This phase of the 56th edition of the Biswa Ijtema (World Congregation) started with the "a'm bayan" (general sermons) after Fajr prayers with the participation of a large number of devotees, including the followers of Indian preacher Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi.
Read more: 2nd phase Bishwa Ijtema: Metro rail to operate from 8am-5pm on Jan 22
However, Maulana Saad is not attending this year's Ijtema. The sermons were delivered by Pakistani Islamic scholar Maulana Mohammad Osman and were translated into Bangla by Maulana Zia bin Qasim.
Thousands of devotees from home and abroad thronged the banks of the Turag River to listen to scholars reciting and explaining verses from the Quran and to renew their commitment to Islamic values.
In the afternoon, they offered Jumma prayers, led by Maulana Saad's son Yusuf bin Saad Kandhalvi, at the Ijtema ground.
"Additional police personnel have been deployed in and around the Ijtema venue to ensure the security of the devotees. The venue has been brought under closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance," Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Commissioner Molla Nazrul Islam said.
Health camps were set up for the devotees to provide them with treatment like the previous years.
Read more: First phase of Bishwa Ijtema ends today with ‘Akheri Munajat’
However, a 75-year-old devotee from Barguna, Mofizul Islam, died at the Ijtema venue early Friday due to complications of old age.
The three-day Biswa Ijtema will end on January 22 with Akheri Munajat (final prayers).
Meanwhile, the metro rail service will run from 8am to 5pm on January 22 for the smooth movement of the devotees attending the second phase of the congregation.
The first phase of the three-day Biswa Ijtema ended on January 15 with Akheri Munajat.
Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the congregation in Tongi since 1967. In 2011, it divided Ijtema into two phases to accommodate a large number of attendees.
2nd phase Biswa Ijtema begins Friday
The second phase of three-day Biswa Ijtema, billed as the second largest congregation of Muslims after hajj, begins on the banks of the Turag River at Tongi on Friday.
This phase of 56th edition of the Biswa Ijtema will begin through "a'm bayan" (general sermons) after Fazr prayers with the participation of a large number of devotees including the followers of Indian Islamic preacher Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi.
Read more: 2nd phase Bishwa Ijtema: Metro rail to operate from 8am-5pm on Jan 22
Several thousand devotees are expected to offer Jum'a prayers, led by Maulana Saad’s son Yusuf bin Kandalvi, on the first day of the second phase Ijtema.
Thousands of devotees from home and abroad have started thronging the banks of the Turag River to take part in the religious event to seek divine blessings of the Almighty Allah.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan inaugurated the Free Medical Camp of Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Bangladesh this noon (Thursday) to provide health services for the devotees.
Additional police will be deployed in and around the Ijtema venue to ensure security of the devotees. The venue has been brought under CCTV surveillance, said Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Commissioner Molla Nazrul Islam.
The three-day Biswa Ijtema will end on January 22 with Akheri Munajat (final prayers).
Read more: First phase of Bishwa Ijtema ends today with ‘Akheri Munajat’
Meanwhile, metro rail in Dhaka will be operated from 8am to 5pm on January 22 for the smooth movement of the devotees attending the second phase of Bishwa Ijtema.
The metro rail authority will extend their service hour to facilitate the devotees on the Akheri Munajat day, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) (Public Relations) Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan told UNB on Thursday.
The first phase of three-day Biswa Ijtema ended on January 15 with the Akheri Munajat.
Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the congregation at the venue since 1967. In 2011, it divided Ijtema into two phases to accommodate a large number of attendees.
Saudi govt reduces Umrah insurance cost for foreign pilgrims by 63%
The Saudi government has announced that the cost of comprehensive Umrah insurance for foreign pilgrims has been reduced by 63 percent.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of KSA has cut the cost from SR 235 to SR 87 – with effect from January 10, reports Saudi Gazette.
The insurance for Umrah is a unified policy that is covered by pilgrims from Muslim countries of the world, including Bangladesh.
Read More: 7 million Umrah pilgrims facilitated in Saudi Arabia in 2022
It is included in the visa procedures and covers emergency cases such as treatment, admission, hospitalization, pregnancy, emergency childbirth, emergency dental cases, traffic accident injuries, dialysis cases, and internal and external medical evacuation.
It also covers general cases such as accidental permanent total disability, cases of death and death due to natural disasters, returning the body of the deceased to his country, and blood money issued by a court ruling. It also includes covers for flight delay compensation and flight cancellation compensation, it said.
The insurance coverage period is 90 days, starting from the day of entering Saudi Arabia, and the scope of its coverage is only within the kingdom.
Read More: Umrah e-visa: Biometric data must for pilgrims from Bangladesh, 4 other countries
Intending Umrah performers can visit the website of the Comprehensive Insurance Program for the Guests of Rahman to view the Umrah insurance policy, verify its validity, and know services providers.
First phase of Bishwa Ijtema ends today with ‘Akheri Munajat’
The first phase of the three-day Bishwa Ijtema – the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj – ended today (January 15, 2023) with ‘Akheri Munajat’ (final prayer).
Maulana Hafez Zobair Ahmad, leader of Bangladesh Tabligh Jamaat, conducted the final prayer between 10-10:30 am.
Thousands of devotees raised their hands, seeking divine forgiveness and blessings for peace and prosperity of the Muslim ummah. They also prayed for the country’s welfare.
Read more: GMP issues traffic directives to reduce sufferings of Ijtema devotees
After two years of break because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ijtema began on the banks of the Turag river in Tongi after Fajr prayers on Friday (January 13) with general sermons by noted Islamic scholar Maulana Ziaul Haque of Pakistan.
As part of the rationalized traffic system, movement of vehicles remained suspended from 12 am on Saturday till the Akheri Munajat this morning – from Tongi to Bhogra Bypass on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, Khamarpara Road, and Abdullahpur to Bypile on Ashulia Road, said Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mollah Nazrul Islam.
So far, seven elderly devotees have died at the Ijtema venue during the first phase of the global congregation, said Jisanul Haque, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur Metropolitan Police.
Read more: Devotees converging on Ijtema ground on day 2
Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the congregation at the venue since 1967. In 2011, it divided Ijtema into two phases to accommodate a large number of attendees.
The second phase of Ijtema will be held from January 20 to 22 this year.
Devotees converging on Ijtema ground on day 2
The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema, one of the biggest congregations of Muslims in the world, in Tongi is continuing for the second day today (January 14, 2023) — drawing devotees in the lakhs.
The three-day congregation began on the bank of the Turag river after Fajr prayers on Friday with sermons delivered by noted Islamic scholar Maulana Ziaul Haque of Pakistan.
Several lakhs of Muslim devotees, both from home and abroad, are converging at the venue and attending the prayers — reciting the names of Allah and hearing the sermons.
Also read: Biswa Ijtema: World's second-largest Muslim gathering begins
Maulana Khurshidul Haque of Pakistan delivered sermons after Fajr prayers and Maulana Ibrahim Deula of India also delivered sermons in the morning.
Maulana Iftar Zaman will deliver sermons in English.
Devotees from different parts of the country are still coming to the Ijtema venue by buses, trucks, boats and on foot.
Read More: Nagad sets up booth at Bishwa Ijtema
The first phase of Ijtema will end tomorrow (Sunday, January 15, 2023) with Akheri Munajat (final prayers).
Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation issues.
The second phase of Ijtema is scheduled to be held on January 20-22 at the same place.
Meanwhile, six devotees died in separate incidents at the Ijtema venue on Thursday, Friday and today.
Read More: 1st phase of Biswa Ijtema begins Friday
A mass wedding ceremony will be held today at the ground after Asr prayers.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mollah Nazrul Islam said additional police personnel have been deployed in and around the Ijtema venue to ensure the security of the devotees. The venue has been brought under closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance.
Besides, thousands of volunteers are working round the clock to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Read More: Foolproof security measures taken ahead of Ijtema: IGP
Several health centres have been set up at different parts of the venue along with beds and almost all first aid and other treatment facilities with doctors doing round-the-clock duties at each centre.
Special measures have also been taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity during the three-day Ijtema.
Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the congregation at the Tongi venue since 1967. In 2011, it divided Ijtema into two phases to accommodate a large number of attendees.
Read More: Sylhet police asks Anjumane Hefazat-e-Islam to postpone their ijtema till after BNP’s rally
1st phase of Biswa Ijtema begins Friday
The first phase of three-day ‘Biswa Ijtema’, billed as the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, is set to begin Friday morning on the bank of the Turag river in Gazipur's Tongi.
The authorities concerned have completed the necessary preparations to hold the gathering smoothly.
A good number of foreign devotees from different parts of the world along with local ones have thronged the Ijtema venue to join Ijtema.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the Muslim devotees on this occasion.
The government set up health camps for the devotees to provide them treatment like the previous years.
However, two devotees died of cold-related disease at the venue on Thursday.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell inaugurated a private health camp for the devotees today.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhuury Abdullah Al Mamun visited the Ijtema ground today and said that they have taken strict security measures for the devotees.
Apart from this, special security measures have been taken for the foreign devotees who are coming from Dhaka airport to the Ijtema venue, he said.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mollah Nazrul Islam said as part of the security measures, watch towers and CCTV cameras were set up in and around the venue.
Besides, members of intelligence in plainclothes will remain deployed here to ensure security, he said.
Read more: 1st phase of Bishwa Ijtema to begin January 13
The Ijtema was not held in the two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The first phase Biswa Ijtema will end on Sunday through Akheri Munajat (final prayer).
Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the congregation at the venue since 1967. In 2011, Tabligh split the Ijtema into two phases, dividing the participation of the people of 64 districts, to reduce pressure on the venue and ensure better management.
The second phase of the Ijtema will be held from January 20 to 22 this year.
A 22km long tailback created stretching from Tongi Bridge to Moghbazar in the city on Thursday due to the huge pressure of Ijtema-bound vehicles in Tongi.
The gridlock stretched from Tongi Bridge-Abdullahpur-Airport to Mohakhali-Moghbazar areas of Dhaka resulting in sufferings for commuters.
Read more: First-phase Biswa Ijtema ends with Akheri Munajat
India not a strategic rival or competitor for China: Ambassador Jiming
He sees promising outlook, brighter future for Dhaka-Beijing relations
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Wednesday said his country does not have any “strategic rivalry or hostility” to Bangladesh’s friendly neighbor India at all.
The envoy said the two countries - India and China can "closely work together" to “resolve any economic, geopolitical and other issues” in this region and beyond.
“We never view India as a strategic rival or strategic competitor of China,” he said while speaking at “DCAB Talk” held at Jatiya Press Club.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) organised its flagship programme. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the programme.
Energy Cooperation
Media reported that India and China have been increasingly buying discounted Russian oil as global energy prices remain high.
Responding to a question, Ambassador Jiming said China is an importer of LNG and other products and generally speaking China is not in a good position to export those kinds of products to Bangladesh.
“If there is an emergency situation, I think, as always, China will not sit idle and keep watching,” he said, adding that both sides are in discussion on the possibility of any emergency supply.
Rohingya Crisis
On the Rohingya crisis, Ambassador Jiming said China keeps putting its efforts in pursuing early repatriation, and, at the same time, helps to improve settlement facilities to relieve local sufferings.
“We also appreciate Bangladesh for coping well with the turbulence along the Myanmar border,” he said.
“You need sincere support from the Myanmar side,” he said, adding that they have an Asian way of solving it.
Asked then why the Rohingya issue is not being resolved, he said that China is seriously and sincerely working towards that end. "We are working silently.”
The envoy also talked about debt management, global development initiative, trade and investment issues.
“There is no Chinese debt trap in Bangladesh. There is no Chinese debt trap globally,” he said.
The envoy also said China “never acts against Muslims in the country” and they have no particular reason to hate or discriminate against any group.
“This is totally fake news (what you see in Uyghur). I can tell you with certainty,” he said.
Read: ‘Some misunderstandings can hurt Bangladesh-China relations’
The Chinese envoy said he is personally a “big fan” of India, and he used to travel to many Indian places and made many friends.
He also laid emphasis on resolving all the problems in the region in an “Asian way” and said that is the basic intention of China.
Describing the situation in Europe as “miserable”, Ambassador Jiming said, “Do you want to see what happened in Europe to happen here in our region? I don’t think you want to see that. So, let’s solve all the problems in an Asian way.”
The envoy said his country will continue to work closely with Bangladesh to ensure development, peace and stability in the region.
“China-Bangladesh relations have grown healthily and steadily, and (I) foresee a promising outlook. We are ready to work with Bangladesh for a brighter future,” he said.
The envoy said China wants a "peaceful and stable" Bangladesh as “peace and stability” are preconditions for development.
Any problem, therefore, should be resolved in a democratic and peaceful way, he said, adding that China considers Bangladesh as a "very good strategic partner" and continues to improve the relations with it.
The envoy said that China shares the same views like Bangladesh on the Ukraine issue and highlighted the importance of having dialogue and discussion to resolve problems peacefully.
“We both stand with peace and call for appropriate settlement of the concerns of all through diplomatic channels,” he said.
Read: “If China can excavate Teesta, people’s lives will improve a great deal"
Bangladesh celebrates Eid as pandemic fades
Bangladesh on Tuesday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the important religious festivals of the Muslims that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, with religious fervour.
Devotees offered Eid Jamaat at permanent and makeshift Eidgah maidans across the country, including in Dhaka, after a hiatus of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the capital, the main Eid congregation was held at National Eidgah Maidan at 8am. Along with several politicians, Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was present at the Eid Jamaat.
In Chattogram, two Eid congregations were held at Jamiyatul Falah Masjid Eidgah in the city at 8am and 9am, respectively.
Also Read: Hasina greets freedom fighters on eid
Deputy minister for education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, city Awami League president Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury, general secretary AZM Nasir Uddin, former city mayor Mir Nasir, and city Jatiya Party chairman Solaiman Alam offered Eid prayers at Jamiyatul Falah Masjid Eidgah.
In Barishal, the main Eid Jamaat in the city was held at Hemayetuddin Central Eidgah Maidan at 8.30am.
Barishal city mayor Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah, divisional commissioner Amin-ul-Ahsan, deputy commissioner Jashim Uddin Haider, and city Awami League president AKM Jahangir, among others, attended the Eid congregation.
Bangladesh observes Jumatul Wida
Jumatul Wida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, is being observed across the country with due religious solemnity and reverence.
Jumatul Wida has a special importance as it is a prelude to the departure of the holy month for the Muslims.
Also read: Largest congregation on Juma'atul Wida held at Hajiganj amid pandemic