Bangladesh will postpone its next Bishwa Ijtema gathering until after the 13th national parliamentary election takes place, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain revealed on Sunday. Both rival groups within Tabligh Jamaat have reached a consensus on the delay, citing security concerns that would strain law enforcement resources during the election period.
The decision came after discussions between government officials and representatives from the two competing Tabligh Jamaat factions. AFM Khalid Hossain explained that organizing the massive religious congregation requires deploying substantial numbers of security personnel, which cannot be arranged before voters head to the polls. Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who recently retired, attended the talks along with Adilur Rahman Khan, who serves as adviser for industries and housing, and Nasimul Gani, the senior secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Officials will determine specific dates for the Ijtema through additional consultations with both organizations following the election. The annual event traditionally draws hundreds of thousands of Muslim worshippers to Bangladesh.
The decision came after discussions between government officials and representatives from the two competing Tabligh Jamaat factions. AFM Khalid Hossain explained that organizing the massive religious congregation requires deploying substantial numbers of security personnel, which cannot be arranged before voters head to the polls. Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who recently retired, attended the talks along with Adilur Rahman Khan, who serves as adviser for industries and housing, and Nasimul Gani, the senior secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Officials will determine specific dates for the Ijtema through additional consultations with both organizations following the election. The annual event traditionally draws hundreds of thousands of Muslim worshippers to Bangladesh.
