The government has implemented special visa precautions for citizens of 14 countries ahead of the upcoming Bishwa Ijtema, one of the largest annual peaceful gatherings of Muslims in Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive emphasising heightened scrutiny to prevent untoward incidents.

This was communicated through a letter signed by Kaniz Fatema, deputy secretary at the Security Services Division, on 3 December, which was dispatched to all Bangladesh missions abroad.

According to the letter, submitted documents of applicants from Syria, Yemen, Nigeria, Iraq, Somalia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Sudan, Libya, Chad, Mali, Tunisia, Palestine and Israel must be thoroughly verified before visa approval.

The measures were decided during a meeting held on 4 November at the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs to finalise preparations for Bishwa Ijtema.

During the meeting, it was mandated that Shura-e-Nizam or Tablighi Jamaat Bangladesh submit a comprehensive list of all foreign participants to the Special Branch (SB) of Police by 20 December. This list must include names, passport numbers, nationality, dates of birth, passport issue and expiry dates.

The first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema, organised by the followers of Maulana Mohammed Zubair, will take place from 31 January to 2 February. The second phase, led by the followers of Maulana Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi, will occur from 7 to 9 February.

Both phases of the gathering will be held on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Gazipur.