Biswa Ijtema postponed due to national elections: Religious Advisor announces
The Tablighi Jamaat's Bishwa Ijtema, which attracts lakhs of devotees every year on the banks of Turag in Tongi near Dhaka, will be held a little later this time. The religious gathering will be organized after the national elections to be held in February. Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain announced this decision after an important meeting with leaders of both factions of the Tablighi Jamaat at the Secretariat on Sunday.
Consent of both parties at the meeting
The suspension order was taken in discussions with the pro-Zubayr and pro-Saad leaders of the Tablighi Jamaat. The religious advisor told reporters, "Election tension is now spreading in the country. Law enforcement agencies will be fully engaged in election duties. Moreover, the month of Ramadan is also approaching. Considering these special circumstances, the decision has been taken to organize the Ijtema elections and after Ramadan."
He added that the leaders of both sides of the Tablighi Jamaat have given their full consent to the proposal. However, although the Ijtema will be divided into two phases, no final decision has been made yet on which side will organize it first. The government will discuss the matter later and decide.
Election preparations unchanged
In response to a question regarding the elections, Dr. Khalid Hossain clarified that the government is making full preparations to hold free, fair and impartial elections. There is no plan or possibility of postponing the elections. The suspension of this religious gathering has been taken only to protect national security and religious harmony.
The decision means that the Biswa Ijtema will likely be held in March or later, creating a new wait for millions of devotees. The traditional Tablighi Jamaat conference is known as a symbol of religious and social unity in the country.
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