Bishwa Ijtema is an annual global gathering of Tabligh Jamaat, held on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Recognized as one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the Muslim world after Hajj, this three-day congregation draws hundreds of thousands of devout Muslims from over 150 countries worldwide.

Latest Updates & Schedule for Bishwa Ijtema 2027

Preliminary dates for the 2027 Bishwa Ijtema were announced by Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed during a Secretariat briefing:

Holding the Ijtema in two phases resolves operational differences between the factions while maintaining standard public law and order.

Core Pillars & Significance

• Bayan & Amal: Prominent international Islamic scholars deliver sermons grounded in the Quran and Hadith throughout the event.
• Akheri Munajat: The gathering concludes with the final supplication on the last day, where millions pray for global peace, unity, and prosperity for the Muslim Ummah.
• Non-Political Character: Bishwa Ijtema remains an entirely non-political and spiritual gathering focused on personal purification and faith.

Key Policy, Security & Logistics Directives

1. Mawlana Saad’s Arrival & Visa Policy

• Policy Guidelines: The presence and arrival of Mawlana Muhammad Saad depend entirely on designated directives set by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and immigration visa clearance.
• Legal Framework: The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that visa clearance will follow standard rules in consultation with religious authorities.

2. Security Directives & Law Enforcement

• Joint Operations: Intelligence surveillance and monitoring by Police, RAB, and Ansar will remain active across the venue.
• Peaceful Environment: Strict enforcement measures will ensure no disruptions or negligence occur from either faction.

3. Transportation & Traffic Coordination

• Special Services: Bangladesh Railway will operate Ijtema Special Trains, and BRTC will provide dedicated bus routes.
• Airport Travel Warning: Located just 3 kilometers from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, heavy traffic is expected along Uttara, Abdullahpur, and Tongi roads. Outbound travelers must plan extra commute time.
• Traffic Diversions: Route changes will be enforced on Pragati Sarani, Airport Road, and Tongi-Kamarpara Road during the Akheri Munajat.

Geographical Location & Boundary Map

                     [North] Kamarpara Road & Mannu Gate
                                     |
[West] Ashulia Embankment <---  TONGI IJTEMA GROUND  ---> [East] Dhaka-Mymensingh Hwy
    & Turag River                    |                  & Tongi Junction Station
                     [South] Turag River (Uttara Sectors 17/18)

• North Boundary: Kamarpara Road and Tongi Mannu Gate area.
• South Boundary: Turag River (adjacent to Dhaka’s Uttara Sectors 17 and 18).
• East Boundary: Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway and Tongi Railway Station.
• West Boundary: Turag River and Ashulia Embankment Road near Kamarpara Bridge.

Major Approach Routes to the Grounds

• Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway: Connects traffic from Mohakhali, Pragati Sarani, and Airport Road (South), as well as Gazipur, Mymensingh, and northern districts via Chandna Chowrasta (North).
• Kamarpara Road: Links Station Road on the main highway west toward Ashulia, connecting directly to the ground’s northern entrance gates.
• Ashulia-Abdullahpur Embankment Road: Serves vehicles traveling from northern districts (e.g., Bogura, Rajshahi, Rangpur) and southwestern regions via Savar.
• Tongi-Kaliganj-Ghorashal Road: Regional access for commuters arriving from Narsingdi, Purbail, and Kishoreganj.
• Tongi Junction Railway Station: Located at the northeast corner; visitors can walk directly into the grounds within 5 to 10 minutes after disembarking.
• Turag River Waterways: Provides boat/trawler access from Gabtoli and Savar. Floating pontoon bridges are constructed by the Bangladesh Army during the event.

Alternative Travel Routes to Avoid Congestion

To avoid severe gridlock along Tongi and Uttara, commuters and worshippers are advised to follow these travel strategies:

1. Recommended Method: Railway Transit

• Special Operations: Over 20 special trains operate along the Dhaka-Tongi route.
• Intercity Stops: Almost all intercity trains provide a 2-to-5-minute stoppage at Tongi Junction on Ijtema days.
• Direct Commute: Walk directly from Tongi Junction Station to Khitta No. 1 within 5 minutes.

2. Alternative Road Bypasses

Alternative Road Bypasses:
├── Route 1: Mirpur-Gabtoli → Mirpur Embankment → Dhaur Bridge → Northern/Western Gates
├── Route 2: Purbachal Expressway (300-Foot) → Internal Uttara Links → Abdullahpur Bridge
└── Route 3: Chandna Chowrasta → Konabari → Chandra → Bipail → Nabinagar (Exit Route)

• Mirpur-Gabtoli Embankment Route: Bypasses Airport Road by taking the Mirpur Embankment to Dhaur Bridge Crossing to access Kamarpara Road.
• Purbachal Expressway (300-Foot Road): Ideal for vehicles coming from Narayanganj, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Rampura-Badda, using internal Uttara links (Jasimuddin/Azampur) to reach Abdullahpur.
• Chandra-Bipail-Nabinagar Return Route: Avoids Tongi/Uttara bottlenecks when leaving Gazipur for Mymensingh or northern districts.

3. Essential Traffic Instructions (Akheri Munajat Day)

Restrictions and diversions start at 4:00 AM on Akheri Munajat day:

• Hotel Radisson Blu U-Turn: Diverts large buses, trucks, and covered vans heading toward Uttara from Gulshan, Banani, or Mirpur.
• Kuril Flyover Loop-2: Redirects Abdullahpur-bound traffic from Pragati Sarani to alternative routes.
• Dhaur Bridge Crossing: Redirects vehicles traveling from Ashulia toward Mirpur Embankment.

Travelers heading to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport should utilize dedicated airport shuttle services and avoid private cars or motorcycles along the Tongi-Abdullahpur corridor.