Editorial
Bishwa Ijtema
A fraternal congregation of great appeal comes to a close
As the final prayers of the 45th Bishwa Ijtema come to solemn end at Tongi on the outskirts of Dhaka, a famous place-name on the spiritual map of the devotees, curtain will have been drawn on the second largest congregation of Muslims after the Hajj.
At least three million participants will leave the place for their hearths and homes vastly enlightened with the message of peace, brotherhood, co-existence, tolerance, and above all, renewed allegiance to the Creator.
The three-day Ijtema included sermons, prayer for greater spiritual accomplishment, exaltation and welfare of Muslim communities, and, on a more mundane level, solemnising marriages without dowry. The instructive nature of the event can hardly be overemphasised.
The spirit of internationalism was evidently writ on the 5500-strong assemblage from as many as 90 countries out of 152 there are in the world. The rapport and bonding among the Islamic scholars on the one hand, and between them and the large body of participants and audience on the other, that emerged from the event will have an enduring value to the Muslims across the world.
Despite our many constraints, we believe, we did our best. And, lapses if any, will hopefully be seen with a forgiving eye.
Bangladesh can take pride in having hosted such mammoth congregation which has not only religious connotation but also a cultural significance. When the world is riven by religious, ethnic, sectarian and socio-political conflicts, an event like Ijtema bears a demonstrative testimony to the longing for unity, solidarity, peace and brotherhood.
Given the ever increasing size of the congregation over four decades, the sheer organising challenge handled by the Bishwa Ijtema committee and the logistical and amenities supports and security arrangements that the private sector, utility bodies and the government respectively have had to provide give cause for satisfaction of all concerned over its successful completion.
Bangladesh's capacity to hold an international event of this dimension is increasing. Learning from this year's experience, we should try and go for greater capacity building for hosting more such events.
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