Dhaka: Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan yesterday said Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the world’s Muslims, will be held in two phases on the bank of the river Turag on the outskirt of Dhaka from January 12-14 and January 19-21.

‘Police will take up special measures to ensure tight security ahead of the two phases of Biswa Ijtema scheduled to be held from January 12-14 and January 19-21,’ he told newsmen after a meeting on law and order at the home ministry.

The minister said necessary security measures would be taken with deployment of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police and other law enforcement agencies in large numbers to ensure smooth holding of the Biswa Ijtema.

‘Several control rooms, watch towers and a number of close circuit camera will be set up in and around of the Ijtema ground alongside deployment of bomb disposal units and dog squads to ensure foolproof security to avert any untoward incident,’ he said.

Khan said that members of the law enforcement agencies would also ensure special security for the foreigners who would come to join the Ijtema, adding, ‘We are considering every possible security aspect and law enforcers would undertake all security measures for holding the Biswa Ijtema peacefully and our security personnel are very much technical and expert and everything is under control.’

Besides, the government would install fire service control room, police control room and watch tower to ensure tight security in the area. Special initiative would be taken for easy traffic system, while medical team would be deployed to provide healthcare service to devotees, Khan added.

Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque, Public Security Division Secretray Mostafa Kamal Uddin, Director General of RAB Benzir Ahmed, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah and officials concerned were present at the meeting.