Editorial
A Splendid Convergence
AROUND two million devotees from 45 countries have converged on the eastern bank of the river Turag for the annual Biswa Ijtema. Bangladesh is proud to be hosting it. This is the second largest congregation of devout Muslims in the world after the Holy Hajj. In fact the large tract of land covered by a huge canopy becomes a place of pilgrimage every year.
The number of devotees has increased year after year. Those who arrive late don't mind putting up outside the shade of the vast canopy. Hundreds of buses, a good number of trains and steamers and launches were engaged in carrying and ferrying the devotees to the place of the Ijtema. The sheer scale of human mobility, bonding and religious fervour makes Biswa Ijtema a truly world-class event. A huge number of policemen have been detailed for duty to maintain law and order and prevent any unfortunate incident in the area just as a temporary hospital has been set up to cope with any medical emergency. Let the arrangements work without a glitch.
The main attractions of the Ijtema is the Akheri Munajaat on the last day of the meet. That is when divine blessings are sought for the safety, security and well-being of the Muslim world. Political leaders of the country also take part in the Munajaat.
We only wish that they practise what they seek. That can save the country from many ills and spare the people of confrontational politics.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments