Staff Reporter:
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema has been proposed to be held from 8 to 10 January, while the second phase is proposed for 15 to 17 January.
“We have proposed these dates after discussions with everyone concerned,” he said after a meeting with followers of Maulana Saad at his office on Thursday (3 September).
Salahuddin Ahmed said the Bishwa Ijtema could not be held for a year due to the national election. He said discussions were held today with one of the two factions of Tabligh Jamaat, known as the Saad followers.
“We had also spoken earlier with those known as the Zubair followers. We told them that we would hold discussions with both sides,” he said.
The home minister said the government would discuss the matter with all relevant stakeholders before making a final decision.
“The government’s top priority is to maintain peace and order. We want to ensure that there is no confrontation of any kind, as such incidents have occurred in the past, resulting in casualties,” he said.
He added that the government would take the previous incidents into consideration before reaching a decision. “As we have not yet made a final decision, we cannot say more at this moment,” he said.
Salahuddin Ahmed said the Zubair followers want to hold both the first and second phases of the Ijtema, while the Saad followers have proposed holding a separate single-phase Ijtema before Ramadan and after the two proposed phases. Alternatively, they want to hold their Ijtema in late November, before the proposed two phases begin.
Regarding the possible arrival of Maulana Saad to Bangladesh, the home minister said the Ministry of Religious Affairs would handle the matter in accordance with religious considerations and make the necessary decision.
“This will be considered in accordance with the visa policy. We cannot say anything final on the matter at this moment. The necessary clearance will be obtained as required under the visa policy, and then the matter will be considered,” he said.
