The preparations for the World Ijtema are in full swing at Tongi's Turag Riverbank. The Shura-e-Nizam faction's Ijtema will commence on Friday, 31 January, with the concluding Akheri Munajat scheduled for 2 February. After a four-day break, the followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi are expected to hold their Ijtema starting 7 February.
Volunteers from nearby districts are working tirelessly on the 160-acre grounds to complete various tasks, including setting up canopies, installing bamboo poles, arranging sound systems, cleaning toilets, and laying out electricity lines. The main stage for sermons is being constructed near the northwest corner of the grounds, adjacent to the accommodation area for foreign participants
Didarul Alam, 49, a volunteer said, “Our team has come here to work voluntarily. We are setting up poles, hanging canopies, and preparing the grounds. We hope to finish all preparations 3-4 days before the Ijtema begins, Insha’Allah.”
Madrasah student Md. Hossain shared, “A group of 30-40 students, including myself, is working here voluntarily. We are cleaning the grounds, installing poles, spreading jute mats, and marking lines for prayers.”
Mosharraf Hossain, who is in charge of building the main stage, stated, “The construction of the stage is progressing steadily. I have been involved in building the World Ijtema stage for the past 16 years. We aim to complete it by next week.”
Iskandar Habibur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Tongi west police station, assured, “We are hopeful that, like every year, the Ijtema will be held peacefully. Police and other law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to ensure the safety of the attendees. Law enforcement officers have already been deployed to maintain order at the Ijtema grounds.”
