Arrangement for 600,000 devotees in Sholakia eid congregation

Around 600,000 devotees are expected to gather at the traditional Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj this time.

This information was given by the district administration, police and RAB in a press briefing organized on the security and overall preparations for the Eid congregation at Sholakia Eidgah on Saturday (March 29) afternoon.

Eidgah Committee President and Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Khan, RAB-14 Mymensingh Regional Office Commanding Officer Additional DIG Naimul Hasan and Kishoreganj Police Superintendent Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury presented details about the preparations for the Eid congregation in front of journalists.

It was informed in the press briefing that four-tier security arrangements have been taken to ensure smooth Eid congregation. Along with about 1,100 police personnel, the army, RAB, Ansar-VDP and 5 platoons of BGB will be deployed.

Law enforcement officers will perform their duties in plain clothes as well as in their respective forces' uniforms.

As part of the security, six watch towers, camera drones and 64 CCTVs have been installed.

Devotees have been requested not to bring any devices, bags or umbrellas other than prayer mats and mobile phones while entering the Eidgah.

Additional security measures have been taken in Sholakia since the militant attack in 2016.

The press briefing also informed that in addition to security, arrangements have been made for drinking water, fire service and medical teams, ablution and toilets at the Eidgah for the convenience of the devotees.

Arrangements have been made for accommodation and food in nearby schools and mosques for distant devotees.

Special trains will operate for distant worshippers on the day of Eid. Two Eid special trains will leave from Mymensingh at 5:45 am and from Bhairab at 6 am for Kishoreganj. After the prayers, the two trains will set off on their return journey at 12 noon.

Besides, the main Eid congregation will be held at Sholakia Eidgah at 10 am. The imam will be Mufti Maulana Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah, Khatib of Borabazar Jame Mosque.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mijabe Rahmat, Company Commander of RAB Kishoreganj Camp Ashraful Kabir, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Mukit Sarkar, Member Secretary of Eidgah Committee and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ershad Mia, Executive Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department Md. Mahbubur Rahman, District BNP General Secretary Mazharul Islam and other officials were present at the press briefing.