Gazipur Correspondent

Stringent security measures have been taken in and around the Biswa Ijtema ground on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi in Gazipur district marking the 58th congregation of Tablig Jamaat begining tomorrow, to be held in three phases this year.

"The security arrangements at the Ijtema Maidan and its surrounding areas have been strengthened much more than before," said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam after inspecting the security arrangements at the Ijtema ground at Tongi on Wednesday.

The security personnel are ready to strictly suppress any attempt or propaganda by any individual or interest group to disrupt the law and order over the upcoming Ijtema, he said.

The police chief sincerely sought cooperation of all the Muslims coming to the Ijtema to keep the law and order situation stable.

As part of the measures to make the security foolproof, members of police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies in uniform and plainclothes have been deployed in large numbers.

The entire Ijtema ground and its surrounding areas have been brought under CCTV coverage alongside installing control rooms and archways in every entry points to make the security foolproof.

A control room has been set up to monitor the overall security system in the Ijtema area around the clock. In addition, the overall situation will be monitored from the RAB headquarters.

The security is being ensured by increasing plainclothes intelligence surveillance and uniformed patrols in the Ijtema ground and adjoining areas.

In addition, search activities are being conducted by sweeping teams. RAB's special team, bomb disposal unit and adequate striking and reserve forces have been kept ready round-the-clock to deal with any emerging situation.

To ensure security, RAB members with binoculars have been deployed on high-rise buildings around the entire Ijtema ground and RAB observation posts have been set up.

The ongoing patrols to prevent any chaos and terrorist activities on the waterways, naval patrols are being conducted round-the-clock.

Regular check posts are being set up at Cheragali Bus Stand, Tongi Kaliganj Road, in front of Uttara North Tower and in Ashulia Kamarpara area to search vehicles and passengers going to the Ijtema.

RAB's medical center in the Ijtema area remains open to everyone. A sufficient number of RAB medical teams and ambulances are engaged in providing medical services to the arriving Muslims round-the-clock.

In case of any kind of chaos, the public is requested to inform the patrol in-charge or the responsible RAB battalion and inform RAB (RAB Control Room hotline number: Mobile: 01777720029) to get RAB's cooperation.

Strict precautionary measures will be taken during the Ijtema, organized in three phases to prevent any untoward incidents. Appropriate legal measures will be taken to stop disorder, drug use, robbery, pick-pocketing, and partying around the Ijtema area.

This year, the Ijtema will be held in three phases. The first phase will be held from January 31 to February 2, the second phase from February 3 to 5 and the third phase from February 14 to16.

A large number of devout Muslims from all over the country will take part in the Biswa Ijtema organized for the Muslims on the banks of the Turag River near the capital Dhaka. Every year, along with domestic devotees, many foreign devotees arrive from different countries of the world on the occasion of Ijtema.