There is propaganda of attack on Ijtema, but nothing to fear: GMP Commissioner

Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Commissioner Dr. Nazmul Karim Khan said, you may have noticed that there is a propaganda on social media that there may be an attack here (at Ijtema Maidan). We are not dismissing it either. We are working on it. It may be to scare the devotees so that people do not gather here. I request you, there is nothing to fear.

He said these things at a briefing with journalists on the overall issue of Ijtema at the control room set up by Gazipur Metropolitan Police at Bishwa Ijtema Maidan after Friday (February 14) noon.

The Commissioner said, we have swept, there is no bomb in the field, we can say for sure. But even then, we cannot rule out the possibility that it will never enter. We have set up check posts for it. The matter of the attack has come up on social media. I do not think this is a reliable source. Still, we are working on it, and we do not consider it a threat. I have told you before that since the devil hunt is going on all over the country, some miscreants may take refuge in Ijtema to avoid it, they may come here and create an unstable situation. We have a target in that regard. We have told the elders that if you see any miscreants, you should inform us, we will take action.

He also said, you all have come, here is the second gathering in the world, that is Ijtema. Religious devotees are gathering here focusing on Ijtema. Today is Friday, and tonight is Shab-e-Barat. So it carries an importance. That is why religious Muslims will gather here in large numbers. When they gather, their security is our responsibility. We, including the police, and other forces, are alert all the time.

Regarding security, the GMP Commissioner said, those who are in the field here have also kept a large number of volunteers, they are providing security. I hope there will be no shortage of security. We have placed people all around, set up checkpoints, and are monitoring through CCTV cameras and drones.

He also said, "But we want to do one thing, we want to keep the roads empty. If any incident happens, we should be able to take action quickly. We have discussed with the fire brigade, they are ready. We all want to work together. Devout Muslims have come together, they have come here to worship. Today is Shab-e-Barat, they will pray for the country, they will pray for everyone. Arrangements will be made with the cooperation of everyone so that they can pray without any hindrance."