Government Committed to Peaceful Holding of Bishwa Ijtema: Home Minister
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government is firmly committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful environment for the upcoming Bishwa Ijtema. He called on both factions of the Tabligh Jamaat to reach an understanding and organise the religious gathering without creating any disorder or disruption. The minister made the remarks while briefing journalists after a meeting with representatives of the Saad-following faction of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh at the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka. The meeting discussed the dates of the Ijtema, law and order, security and other related issues.
Regarding preparations and scheduling, Salahuddin Ahmed said detailed discussions were held with senior representatives of the Saad-following faction today. The government had earlier held discussions with representatives of the Zubair-following faction as well. “Considering the views of all sides, the schedule for the two phases of Bishwa Ijtema 2027 has been finalised,” the minister said. According to the schedule, the first phase will be held from January 8 to 10, while the second phase will take place from January 15 to 17 at the Bishwa Ijtema grounds in Tongi.
Dispute Over Tongi Venue Regarding the venue and participation, the minister said both factions have sought permission to use the Tongi Ijtema grounds. He said an agreement had been signed during the previous government, based on a consensus between the Zubair-following and Saad-following factions, under which the Saad-following group would not hold its Ijtema at the Tongi venue. However, representatives of the Saad-following faction expressed disagreement with that decision during Thursday's meeting and renewed their demand to hold their gathering at the Tongi grounds. According to the minister, the Saad-following representatives proposed holding a separate, single-phase Ijtema at the venue after the two scheduled phases, either before Ramadan or toward the end of November, maintaining a reasonable time gap.
“The government is considering the matter seriously,” he said, adding that a final decision would be taken after further discussions with both sides and consultation with the law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. Decision on Maulana Saad's Visit Regarding the possible arrival of Maulana Saad, the home minister said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the country's visa policy and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. A decision on the issue will be taken in accordance with the relevant policies and regulations, he said. Law and Order Situation Responding to a question about the country's overall law and order situation, Salahuddin Ahmed claimed that crime has come under considerable control compared with previous periods.
“An analysis of available information and data shows that the overall crime situation has improved significantly compared with the past,” he said. According to compiled data received from the Police Headquarters on a central and district basis, incidents of murder, abduction, violence against women and various other crimes have declined, the minister said. He credited the law enforcement agencies with their continued efforts to restore public safety and social order. Police Role in Crime Control Highlighting the police's role in combating crime, the minister referred to a recent incident in the capital in which a schoolteacher died after being the victim of a mugging.
He said the main suspect was arrested within 12 hours of the incident, while the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime was recovered and other items used by the perpetrators were seized and handed over to the court. The minister also said the internal intelligence and monitoring mechanisms within the law enforcement agencies are highly active. “If there is any specific information regarding negligence or non-cooperation by any member of the force, it will be investigated and necessary action will be taken,” he said. Reiterating the government's position on law and order, Salahuddin Ahmed said the government is continuously monitoring the situation with transparency.
He said efforts to further improve and sustainably strengthen law and order in line with public expectations would continue uninterrupted. Officials Attend Meeting The meeting was chaired by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, with Religious Affairs State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaisar attending as a special guest. Senior officials from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Religious Affairs, along with representatives of the Saad-following faction of Tabligh Jamaat, were also present. Earlier, on August 18, 2026, a similar meeting was held under the chairmanship of the home minister to discuss the dates of Bishwa Ijtema, maintenance of law and order, overall security arrangements and other related matters. Representatives of the Zubair-following faction participated in that meeting.
