United News of Bangladesh

The second phase of the three-day Biswa Ijtema – the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj – ended today with ‘Akheri Munajat’ (final prayer). Maulana Zubair conducted the final prayer between 12 pm to 12:30 pm. Thousands of devotees raised their hands seeking forgiveness and blessings for peace and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah. They also prayed for the country’s welfare. A large number of Muslim devotees from home and abroad gathered at the Ijtema venue on Wednesday morning. Fire Service strengthens safety measures at Ijtema ground After Fajr prayer on Wednesday Maulana Faruk from India delivered a sermon before the devotees while Mufti Amanul Haque translated the sermon into Bangla. Two devotees died during the second phase of Biswa Ijtema. The second phase of 58th Bishwa Ijtema began on Monday with "a'am bayaan" (general sermons) after Fajr prayers. The first phase of the three-day Bishwa Ijtema ended on February 3. The third phase of Biswa Ijtema will be held from February 14-16 for Saad followers. To ensure security of the devotees, thousands of law enforcers have been deployed in and around the Ijtema ground. Bangladesh Railway to run special trains for Ijtema attendees Necessary arrangements, including sufficient water supply and healthcare, have been ensured. 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.  

The three-day first phase of the 58th version of the Biswa Ijtema has ended through Akheri Munajat (final prayer) on the banks of the Turag River in Gazipur, with the participation of tens of thousands of devotees. Bangladeshi’s Tabligh Jamaat leader Maulana Jubair conducted the final prayer that lasted for 24 minutes starting at 9:11am Sunday. Tens of thousands of devotees from home and abroad, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, attended the prayer. People were seen joining the prayer from rooftops of buildings, in vehicles as the gathering of the devotees spanned several kilometers surrounding the Ijteam ground. Many attendees broke down seeking the blessing of Almighty Allah in the mundane and late after the death life, with a good number of women participating. After the prayer, a huge rush was seen on the by-roads and train tracks as the devotees started heading towards their destinations in parts of the country. Read: More devotees arrive on 2nd day of Ijtema in Tongi

The 58th version of the Biswa Ijtema on the banks of the Turag River in Gazipur’s Tongi has begun with participation of tens of thousands of devotees from home and abroad. The formal opening of the religious gathering, seen as the second largest religious gathering after the Hajj, marked a start after Maghrib prayer on Thursday through delivering sermons by Indian scholar Maulana Ibrahim Deolar. After Fajr prayer on Friday, Pakistani Islamic scholar Maunla Ziaul Haque delivered ordinary sermons before the devotees while Bangladeshi Tablig Jamaat’s leader Maulana Jubair will conduct the Jummah prayer, said Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shurari Nezam. Read: Bangladesh Railway to run special trains for Ijtema attendees

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?