Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has announced that the next Bishwa Ijtema will be held after the 13th national parliamentary election.

AFM Khalid said, “Both factions of Tabligh Jamaat have agreed to hold the Ijtema after the election.”

He explained, “A large number of law enforcement personnel are required to ensure security during the Ijtema. However, it would not be possible to deploy such a force before the election. Therefore, both groups have agreed to hold Ijtema after the polls.”

The Religious Affairs Adviser made the statement on Sunday after a meeting with the two rival factions of Tabligh Jamaat.

The exact date of the Ijtema would be finalised later in consultation with both sides, said the adviser.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Industries and Housing & Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani were also present at the meeting.