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The 'Biswa Ijtema', an annual gathering of Muslims, was held in West Bengal primarily because the traditional main event in Bangladesh was suspended due to political instability, election-related restrictions, and factional clashes. (Image: AFP/File)
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News18•19-01-2026, 18:41

Biswa Ijtema in Bengal: Terror Recruitment Fears Amid Radicalization Concerns

  • •The Biswa Ijtema, a large Islamic congregation, returned to West Bengal after 34 years, held in Puinan village, Hooghly district, from January 2-5.
  • •Indian intelligence agencies are scrutinizing the event, fearing it could be a platform for radicalization and terror recruitment.
  • •Concerns are heightened by the presence of controversial figure Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, banned in Bangladesh for extremism fears, and the venue's proximity to the porous India-Bangladesh border.
  • •Former Tablighi Jamaat members reportedly joined extremist groups like PFI and Jamaat-e-Islami, adding to intelligence worries.
  • •Central agencies warned of potential infiltration by ISI-backed groups and activation of sleeper cells from border districts like Murshidabad and Malda.

Why It Matters: Biswa Ijtema in West Bengal raises intelligence concerns over radicalization and terror recruitment risks.

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