Staff Reporter :
The government will not provide visa to the devotees of Ebola affected countries to participate in the Biswa Ijtema, the second largest Muslim congregations.
The first phase of the Biswa Ijtema will begin on January 9 next on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi on the outskirts of the capital, while the second phase on January 18. Devotees of five Ebola affected countries, including Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gini and Mali, will not get Bangladeshi visa to perform the upcoming Biswa Ijtema, said State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
“Bangladesh Missions of the countries will be informed about the decision and we will request them not to give visas,” Asaduzzaman said.
The minister came up with the disclosure while talking to the journalists at his ministry office on Wednesday afternoon.
He also said the Ebola testing machines have already been installed in all airports to check out the virus.
He said a larger number of troops from various law-enforcement agencies will be deployed at the Ijtema ground to ensure foolproof security of the devotees.
“Several watch towers will be installed at the entrances of the Ijtema ground. Besides, a good number of close circuit cameras and a control room will be set up for providing health services to the devotees,” Asaduzzama said.
