DHAKA, Jan 12, 2023 (BSS) - The government has taken adequate security measures ahead of the first phase of Biswa Ijtema beginning tomorrow.

The Ijtema will begin with 'Aam Bayan' (general sermons) by noted Islamic scholars after Fazr prayers tomorrow and will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on January 15.

The second phase of the Ijtema, however, will begin on January 20 at the same venue and it is scheduled to end with Akheri Munajat on January 22.

The security management of the Ijtema Maidan will be monitored through close circuit (CC) cameras, watch towers and rooftops while adequate number of police personnel and intelligence agencies in plain clothes will be on duty in every Khitta along with specialized teams, according to law enforcement sources.

The entire Ijtema-Maidan has been divided into three sectors and additional police have been deployed in the surrounding areas including the Ijtema Maidan to ensure the overall security.
Around 5 thousand 30 law enforcers including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), members of various intelligence agencies wearing plain clothes, Ansar and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed from today, sources added.

To strengthen security, more than 300 closed-circuit cameras have been installed at important places around 19 entrances.

Air, roads, waterways and railways will be under the purview of strict surveillance and helicopters of RAB will also patrol the surrounding areas of the Ijtema ground.

Meanwhile, Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP)'s Police Commissioner Molla Nazrul Islam said that 7,500 policemen will be deployed for the overall security of Ijtema.

Arrangements of metal detectors, night vision goggles, binoculars, bomb disposal team, anti-terrorism unit, helicopter-naval patrol, Quick Response Team / Support Unit (QRT), dog squad, forensic team, cyber patrolling and diving team will be available to tackle any untoward situation.

Quoting the Director General (DG) of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) Brigadier General Md Main Uddin, an on-duty officer of the Ijtema field Md Safiq said the vast Ijtema Maidan of Turag River has been brought under the wireless frequency of Fire Service.

As many as 361 fire service personnel and fire fighters will be deployed at different places of Ijtema ground, he said.

He added that 14 portable pumps have been kept ready near Ijtema Maidan.