Four people were killed and 40 others injured in a clash between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat at the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi over the control of the venue early Wednesday. The deceased include Amirul Islam Bachhu, 70, from Kishoreganj, Bilal Hossain, 60, from Faridpur, and Tajul Islam, 70, from Bogura. The identity of the fourth victim remains unknown. Will hold long march to take control of Ijtema ground: Spokesperson of Zubair faction According to Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan of Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP), the violence erupted when followers of Maulana Saad attempted to enter the venue, prompting a counter-attack by supporters of Maulana Zubair around 3 am. The clash left four dead and 40 injured, with 35 people receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Seven of the injured were admitted. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable. Following meetings with both factions, he said discussions were going on, and the government was committed to resolving the dispute and providing medical assistance to the injured. The government has scheduled the first phase of Biswa Ijtema for Zubair’s followers from January 31 to February 2, while the second phase for Saad’s faction will occur from February 7 to 9. However, opposition to this decision has heightened tensions. Maulana Zubair’s followers demand ban on Maulana Saad's group Security measures have been intensified at the venue, with four Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) platoons deployed. Besides, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned gatherings, processions, and demonstrations in nearby areas. Maulana Mamunul Haque, a key leader of Zubair’s group, demanded that the government ban Saad’s followers from organising Ijtema gatherings, accusing them of collaborating with anti-Bangladesh forces. He also announced plans to file a case over the recent violence. Meanwhile, Mufti Amanul Haq, a spokesperson for the Zubair faction, threatened a long march to seize control of the venue if Saad’s followers do not leave. Home Adviser warns of strict action over Biswa Ijtema killings At a press conference at Kakrail Mosque, he vowed to seek the highest level of justice and declared that no Saad follower would be allowed to enter Kakrail Mosque in the future. In light of the escalating tensions, both factions have agreed to vacate the Ijtema ground temporarily, respecting the government’s request to maintain peace and avoid further clashes.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury vowed that those responsible for the killing of two Tabligh followers at the Biswa Ijtema ground early Wednesday would not be spared. He came up with the warning while speaking to reporters after two separate meetings with the followers of Maulana Saad and Maulana Zubayer at the Ministry of Home’s conference room on Wednesday. "My brothers (victims) filed cases today. We will ensure that the real culprits are brought to justice," said the adviser. DMP bans rallies, processions in areas adjacent to Turag River He added that discussions between the two groups were going on, and if an agreement is reached, the government will take a decision. Chowdhury also mentioned that the government is prepared to provide medical assistance to the injured, if necessary. Earlier, a delegation from the Saad group held a meeting with the five advisers led by Jahangir Alam, followed by a meeting with the opposing group. In accordance with the government’s previous decision, the first phase of Biswa Ijtema, organised by Zubair’s followers, will be held from January 31 to February 2, while the second phase, led by Saad’s followers, is scheduled from February 7 to 9. Tensions escalate at Biswa Ijtema ground after clashes; 2 dead  Although the government has allowed Saad’s group to host the first phase, the opposing faction has refused to accept the decision, escalating tensions between the two groups. Ahead of their 'Jor Ijtema,' set to take place from December 20 to 24, Saad’s followers began entering the ground. However, sensing their presence, Zubair’s followers reportedly attacked them around 3 am. In retaliation, Saad’s supporters, attempting to gain access to the ground, launched a counter-attack. The clash resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries. Locals have claimed that as Saad’s supporters entered the ground, the police stationed at the Ijtema site withdrew, positioning themselves on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to the east. Fire breaks out at Korail slum in Dhaka Officer-in-charge of Tongi West Police Station Iskandar Habibur Rahman confirmed the deaths, saying that several injured people were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Authorities have tightened security in and around the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi to prevent any untoward incidents following violent clashes between two groups that left two people dead and many injured. A large contingent of the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other forces, along with regular police, have been patrolling the area, reports UNB’s district correspondent from the scene. According to a statement from the BGB headquarters, four platoons have been deployed in the area. Despite the heavy security, a tense atmosphere persists there. Locals reported that followers of Maulana Saad remain inside the ground, while those of Maulana Zubair are positioned outside. Meanwhile, a meeting between the two groups was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs later today (Wednesday). The meeting asked the two groups to vacate the ground and they were learned to have agreed to leave the area. Read: Ijtema: Saad’s supporters attempt to march to Chief Adviser’s residence As per the government’s decision, the first phase of the Biswa Ijtema, organised by Zubair’s followers, will take place from January 31 to February 2 next year, while the second phase, led by Saad’s followers, is scheduled from 7 to 9 February. Although the government permitted the Saad group to host the first phase, the opposing faction has been reluctant to accept the decision. Tensions between the two groups have been brewing ever since. In preparation for their 'Jor Ijtema,' set to be held from December20 to 24, Saad’s followers began entering the ground. But, sensing their presence, Zubair’s followers reportedly attacked them around 3 am. In response, Saad’s supporters, attempting to gain entry to the ground, launched a counter-attack, leading to a fierce clash that resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries. Locals alleged that as Saad’s supporters entered the ground, police stationed at the Ijtema site moved away, positioning themselves on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to the east. Read more: First phase of Biswa Ijtema to begin Jan 31 Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Iskandar Habibur Rahman confirmed the fatalities, adding that several injured individuals were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He said that the situation is now under control, with law enforcement remaining on high alert.

The first phase of Biswa Ijtema will begin on January 31, 2025, Home Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam has said. “The first phase of Biswa Ijtema will be held on January 31, February 1 and 2, and the second phase will take place on February 7-9,” the adviser announced after a meeting with two factions of the Tabligh Jamaat at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi attended the meeting while representatives of Maulana Zubair Hasan were absent. Read: Second phase of Biswa Ijtema begins on banks of Turag The meeting discussed several issues including the ground preparedness, law and order, handover of the ground, providing visa to guests, overall safety of VVIPs, VIPs, traffic control, and setting up control rooms, water supply and sewerage system. Moreover, it discussed measures to prevent disasters and accidents, first aid for the devotees, management of temporary shops, eviction of slums and illegal establishments, monitoring of sale of hygienic food at Ijtema venue,  removal of obscene movie posters and measures to reduce traffic congestion on the day of Akheri Munajat. The decision on which of the groups will get the venue first has not been taken yet as the followers of Zubair refrained from attending the meeting. The Tabligh Jamaat has been hosting the Bishwa Ijtema at Tongi since 1967 and introduced the phase system in 2011 to better manage the growing number of participants.

The second phase of the three-day ‘Biswa Ijtema’, one of the largest congregations of Muslims in the world, will begin on Friday morning on the bank of the Turag River in Gazipur's Tongi. The authorities have completed the necessary preparations to hold the religious gathering smoothly. Six men die on Biswa Ijtema ground A good number of foreign devotees from different parts of the world along with Bangladeshis have already thronged the Ijtema venue. The second phase of Ijtema will start after fajr prayers through ‘Aam Bayan’ on Friday and will end on Sunday (Feb 11) through Akheri Munajat. First phase of Biswa Ijtema begins Devotees from different foreign countries including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Europe, America and Africa have reached the venue. Meanwhile, members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed to maintain law and order at the Ijtema venue and adjacent areas. Besides, plainclothes police and intelligence officers will remain deployed in the area. All out measures taken for fire safety for devotees in Biswa Ijtema: FSCD The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema ended on February 4 at the same venue starting on February 2.

Muslim devotees who attended the first phase of three-day Biswa Ijtema from neighbouring India have started returning home through Benapole land port in Jashore on Monday (February 05, 2024) morning. Sources at the port’s immigration office said that a huge number of devotees came to Bangladesh from several states of India to participate the Ijtema that ended on Sunday with Akheri Munajat on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi. Read: Two Ijtema attendees die in Tongi road accident The Indian devotees were seen standing in queues of Benapole’s Immigration customs to return home in the early morning. Benapole Immigration police station’s Officer-in-Charge (investigation) Shafiq Ahmed said there are additional officers so that the devotees face no hassles during departure from Bangladesh. Read more: Two Ijtema attendees die in Tongi road accident

The Biswa Ijtema, billed as the second largest congregation of Muslims after the Hajj, will be held in two phases- February 2 to 4 and February 9 to 11 - this year. Ahead of this, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) have jointly issued a traffic and car parking management directive to ease the pressure on the traffic system. The measures will be in effect for each of the three days in both phases.  A media release, issued from police headquarters on Wednesday morning, sought all-out cooperation to maintain order in traffic, avoid traffic jams and facilitate the movement of pilgrims. Parking Instructions Police declared a no-parking zone on the roads and its nearby areas from the Khilkhet-Abdullahpr-Dhaur bridge. Fixed Parking Zones Police fixed some points for parking of vehicles for the Muslim devotees who will attend the Ijtema. Dhaka Metropolitan Parking: Open spaces of Swadesh Property adjacent to 300 feet Road. Read: No threat of militant attack centering Biswa Ijtema: RAB DG Divisional Parking inside DMP areas: Dhaka and Chittagong Division Parking: Kadam Ali Market under Sector No. 15, Bridge No. 5 and Uludah Field in Sector No. 17. Sylhet and Khulna Division Parking:  Lakepar ground of Uttara Sector-15. Rajshahi, Rangpur and Mymensingh Division: West side of the lake of bridges 10 and 11, inside Sector No. 16 and Boubazar ground. Divisional Parking inside GMP areas: Mymensingh Division Parking: Chandana High School, Chowrasta, Gazipur. Vehicles coming from North Bengal and Tangail will park at  Bhawal Badre Alam College and Pubail University College. Government Vehicles: Telephone Industry Organization (TESIS) and Tongi Government College Ground. The drivers and helpers of the parked vehicles must stay with their vehicles. The devotees and the driver will keep each other's mobile numbers, so that they can communicate with each other in any emergency. The driver's mobile number must be visible in front of the vehicle. Read: Bangladesh Police set guidelines for Ijtema Diversion points only for the days of Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) Feb 4 and Feb 11 Dhaur Bridge, Sector No. 18 Panchabati Crossing, Padma Loop, Sector No. 12 Khalpar, Mohakhali Crossing, Hotel Radisson Blu Crossing, Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway (World Road Nikunj-1 Katchi Gate), Kuratali Flyover Loop-2, Mohakhali Flyover West Side, Mirpur Diabari Bus Stand Crossing, Ashulia Bazar Crossing. Kamarpara Road from Mannu Gate will be shut from the starting day of Ijtema for both phases. Traffic movement will remain shut on the two-way road from Bhogra Bypass from Abdullahpur and from Mirer Bazar to Station Road from 10 pm on February 3 to 2 pm on Feb 4 and from 10 pm on February 10 to 2pm on Feb 11. Vehicles carrying VVIPs/VIPs/Foreign devotees participating in Bishwa Ijtema have been advised to use Tongi Flyover from BNS Tower and get off at Station Road and use Mannu Gate Kamarpara Road. All inter-district vehicles including buses, covered vans and other heavy vehicles will avoid the Abdullahpur, Dhaur Bridge intersection and move via Mohakhali-Bijaysarani-Gabatli from 4:00 am on Akheri Munajat day. Read: Drones, CCTV monitoring to ensure security at Bishwa Ijtema: Home Minister Transportation services will be provided for foreigners from Padma Loop and Kuratali Loop-2 to the airport under the management of Traffic Uttara Division on the day of Akheri Monajat. It is also requested to avoid Kawla/Airport exit of Dhaka Elevated Expressway on the day of Akheri Monajat. For any queries on traffic management, commuters have been asked to contact the below numbers. Dhaka Metropolitan Police: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-North)- 01320-043940, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-North)- 01320-043941, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-North East Zone)- 01320-043952, Assistant Police Commissioner (Traffic-North West Zone)- 01320-043955, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-Airport Zone)- 01320-043958, Inspector of Police (Administration)- 01320-043973, TI (Abdullahpur)- 01320-043968, TI (Kamar Para) )- 01320-043971, TI (Dhaur Bridge)- 01320-043970, TI (Airport)- 01320-043962, Traffic Control Room- 01711-000990. Gazipur Metropolitan Police: Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic)- 01320-070991, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-North)- 01320-071004, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-South)- 01320-071277, Inspector of Police (City & Traffic) (Station Road)- 01320-071291, Ijtema Control Room (Hotline)- 01320-072999, Control Room, GMP- 01320-072998, Traffic Control Room- 01320-071298. Read more: Ekushey Boi Mela 2024: What security measures are in place?

There is no threat of militant attack centering the Biswa Ijtema, said M Khurshid Hossain, director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Wednesday. “There is no specific threat of militant attack centering the Biswa Ijtema and we are on alert,” he said. Bangladesh Police set guidelines for Ijtema RAB is ready to tackle any untoward situation at Ijtema venue and adjacent areas, said the Rab DG while talking to reporters after visiting the control room of RAB at Ijtema venue in Tongi. Alongside the other law enforcement agencies Rab will perform duties to ensure security of the devotees, he said. Drones, CCTV monitoring to ensure security at Bishwa Ijtema: Home Minister Besides, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun also visited the places designated for foreign devotees. Talking to reporters he said security measures have been taken to ensure smooth congregation of devotees at the Ijtema venue and there is no specific information about security threat from the intelligence team. Biswa Ijtema 2024: Preparation is going on in full swing CCTVs will be installed while patrol teams will keep patrolling through choppers, said the IGP. He said people can join Ijtema without any fear.

Measures have been taken to organise the upcoming Biswa Ijtema peacefully and safely, said Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, inspector general of police (IGP). The IGP said this while presiding over a meeting ahead of Biswa Ijtema at police headquarters in the city on Wednesday. Biswa Ijtema to be held in two phases; Feb 2 and Feb 9 next year The first phase of Biswa Ijtema will be held from February 2 to February 4 and the second phase from February 9 to February 11. Uniformed and plainclothes police will be deployed for the security of devotees including foreigners arriving at the Biswa Ijtema ground, The law enforcement forces will also ensure security through helicopters, watch towers, dog squads, bomb disposal units and CCTV cameras, he added. Second phase of Biswa Ijtema ends today with ‘Akheri Munajat' The government has taken all-out preparations to ensure the smooth holding of Biswa Ijtema in two phases. At that time, the IGP expressed his satisfaction with the overall security management taken by the two groups for the Ijtema. Bishwa Ijtema: Traffic movement to be halted on Abdullahpur, Bhogra, Kamarpara tomorrow morning The meeting was attended by senior police officers, representatives of various intelligence agencies, government offices and leaders from Tabligh.

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.