All roads led to the Turag

We are happy to note the very good arrangements made to host the devotees for the three-day congregation, although the security arrangements were more pronounced than any time before. That was only to be expected, given the state of security in Bangladesh since the last Ejtema. The organisers must be commended for their successful handling of the event, which could be a logistical nightmare.

Besides the more than two million people who spent three days at the site, many more that number congregated from all parts of the country to the Ejtema to participate in the Akheri Munajat, on the final day of the Ejtema.

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The congregation epitomises the bond of the Ummah that transcends national boundaries. And while we seek the blessings of the Almighty for the Ummah we must include in our prayers the vast multitude that are deprived, uncared for and neglected, cutting across social and religious divide. If anything, it is the deficit of understanding between religion and culture that is hampering attainment of peace globally.

We understand that several groups of the Tablig Jamaat will set out for various parts of the world conveying the message of Islam. It is our hope, and indeed that we feel should predominate the thoughts of those that make up these groups, that they would attempt to remove the wrong image of Islam which many, particularly in the West, have of the religion, a religion that emphasises entirely on the need for brotherhood, harmony and understanding.

There is the great need today for spreading the message of brotherhood, harmony and understanding at the national level and beyond to the greater world. Sinking of differences between races and religions is of utmost importance and we beseech the leaders at all levels to keep this ennobling thought uppermost in their strivings for a better world.