Thousands gathered from dawn to attend a major Islamic conference in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday (5 November).
Attendees, including devout Muslims and scholars from various regions, were seen arriving at the venue on foot, by private transport, buses, and the metro.
The conference, scheduled to run from 9am until 1pm., will cover discussions on Dawah, Tabligh, the role of Qaumi madrasas, and safeguarding the principles of faith.
The large gathering and incoming crowds led to severe traffic congestion across Dhaka, with many arriving from early morning to secure a place at the event.
Despite efforts to accommodate the influx, congestion was reported in key areas such as Signboard, Jatrabari, Uttara, and Gabtoli, with participants resorting to walking after being unable to find public transport.
Both buses and metro services experienced an overwhelming volume of passengers.
At Mirpur Shewrapara, numerous attendees queued for buses but eventually opted for the metro due to long wait times, which also left the metro packed to capacity.
Earlier, Qaumi madrasa-based clerics held multiple press briefings, urging ulema, mashayekh, and the general public to join the conference en masse.
Since 2019, the Bishwa Ijtema has been held in two phases—one by the followers of Maulana Saad and the other by a separate group.
This year, Maulana Saad’s followers requested to host the first phase of the Ijtema, sparking objections from Qaumi madrasa clerics, who subsequently organised the Islamic conference in response.
