This year’s Bishwa Ijtema will be held after the national election in February, Religious Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has said.
He made the announcement while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Sunday after a meeting with both the Jubair and Saad factions of Tabligh Jamaat.
Khalid said both factions had agreed with the government’s decision, although it has yet to be decided which group will hold the Ijtema first.
The religious adviser added, “The decision to defer the Ijtema has been taken due to the special situation. The election atmosphere has already begun across the country, and the law enforcement agencies will remain occupied with election duties.
“Therefore, it has been decided to organise the Ijtema after the election and Ramadan. There is no possibility for the two groups to organise the Ijtema jointly. The final date will be determined through further discussions.”
Speaking about the upcoming national election, the adviser said, “I believe the country is moving toward the election. The government maintains constant communication with political parties, and we are preparing to hold a free, fair, and neutral election.”
He also expressed hope that the National Citizen Party, which has not yet signed the July Charter, would reconsider its stance through dialogue.
Regarding Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s potential visit to Bangladesh, Khalid said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the home and foreign ministries.
“Those who wish to invite Zakir Naik have met me. I informed them that it is not under my ministry’s authority. The home and foreign ministries handle matters related to foreign guests, and if they grant permission, he can visit Bangladesh,” he added.
