World Ijtema of the first phase has started

The Dhaka Times Desk The first phase of Biswa Ijtema has started today (Friday) on the Turag shores of Tongir. Meanwhile, there is a five-level security system around this global community. After the Fajr prayer, this year's World Ijtema started with Am Bayan.

About 8,500 members of law and order forces will be on duty at the World Ijtema for security. Starting from today (January 10), the last prayer of the first phase of Ijtema will be the next day (Sunday) on January 12.

Five levels of security measures have been taken around the first phase of the World Ijtema which started today (Friday) on the banks of the Turag River in Tongir. This time around 8500 members of the law and order force will perform duty in Ijtema. The final prayer of the first phase of Ijtema from January 10 will be on Sunday, January 12. The second phase of Biswa Ijtema will begin on January 17 with a break of four days and will end with the final prayer on January 19.

Like every year, this time too, additional police, RAB, BGB and plainclothes intelligence agency personnel will be engaged in security duties inside and outside the field, it has been reported. The grand curtain of the Vishwa Ijtema Maidan ended before hanging. Road repair and sewerage works have also been completed. There is a strict security system for the safety of the pilgrims. This ijtema is held every year under the cover of a huge chat pandal covering an area of about two square kilometers on 160 acres of land. People of different classes and professions including school-college and madrasah students work on making pandals in Maidan on voluntary basis. It has now become a custom. Many worshipers come to the Ijtema field in advance with a group and also participate in the work in the field.

According to Gazipur City Corporation sources, 8 control rooms have been set up under their management. Also 15 pylons have been constructed at important places in the field. 14 watch towers were constructed by police and 10 by RAB. Also, spraying of bleaching powder and mosquito repellent in the field has already started. Installation of 750 electric lamps and sprinkler system to prevent dust.

Public Health Engineering Department has maintained adequate water supply and sewage system in Biswa Ijtema Maidan. Three and a half million gallons of water is being provided every day in view of the gathering of worshippers. Additional toilets have been constructed and paved toilets have been made usable. It has been informed that worshipers will not have any problem in water and sewerage like every year. CCTV, archways, metal detectors are available throughout the grounds. 8 thousand policemen will work in Ijtema for overall security. As this year's Ijtema is likely to be attended by a record number of people, it is said that the scope of the World Ijtema field has been increased. Additional 14 khitas have been added to the previous khitas.