Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government is fully committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful World Ijtema. He urged both factions of Tabligh Jamaat to reach a mutual understanding and avoid any disorder.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after a meeting with representatives of the Saad-following faction at the Home Ministry on Thursday. The meeting discussed the dates, security and other arrangements for the World Ijtema.

Salahuddin said the government had held discussions with both factions and, based on their consensus, finalised the two-phase schedule for the 2027 World Ijtema.

The first phase will be held from January 8 to 10 and the second from January 15 to 17 at the Tongi World Ijtema ground.

Regarding the venue, the minister said an agreement reached between the two factions during the previous government had barred the Saad-following faction from holding the Ijtema at the Tongi ground. However, representatives of the faction rejected the agreement at Thursday’s meeting and renewed their demand to hold the event there.

They also proposed holding a single-phase Ijtema at the Tongi ground after the two scheduled phases, with a reasonable gap before Ramadan or in late November.

Salahuddin said the government would make a final decision after further discussions with both factions and consultations with law enforcement agencies, prioritising public safety and law and order.

On Maulana Saad Kandhalvi’s possible visit to Bangladesh, he said the matter falls under visa policy and the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and would be decided according to the relevant rules.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shamim Kaiser and senior officials from the Home and Religious Affairs ministries attended the meeting, along with representatives of the Saad-following faction.

Earlier, on August 18, a coordination meeting was held with representatives of the Jubair-following faction on the security and scheduling of the World Ijtema.