The traditional 52nd Jashne Julus procession has begun in Chattogram to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). Organized by the Anjuman-e-Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust, this grand event is being led by Allama Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah (Ma. Ji. A.), with Syed Muhammad Qasim Shah (Ma. Ji. A.) attending as the chief guest.
The Julus started early Monday, September 16, from the Alamgir Khanqah-e-Qaderia Syedia Taiyebia in Muradpur, with the procession filled with the recitation of Hamds, Naats, and Daroods. The participants will march through important streets before gathering at the Jameya Ahmadia Sunnia Kamil Madrasa grounds in the afternoon, where prominent scholars will deliver speeches.
Chattogram has transformed into a sea of people and celebration, with various intersections decorated with arches. The streets and medians are adorned with Bangladesh’s national flags, Anjuman flags, banners, and festoons. From dawn, people from different districts and upazilas have been arriving by buses, trucks, and jeeps, turning areas like Sunnia Madrasa, Bibirhat, and Muradpur into a vibrant hub of festivities.
Adding to the spectacle, a floating fair has taken shape along both sides of the railway lines, stretching over a kilometer. Vendors are selling caps, Miswak, Tasbeeh, Islamic books, perfumes, flags, traditional clothing like Punjabis and Pajamas, and an assortment of food items. Many volunteers are seen distributing refreshments like sherbet, water, chocolates, jellabi, dates, and apples as part of Tabarruk (blessed offerings).
According to Anjuman’s General Secretary Mohammad Anwar Hossain, the organizers believe this Julus could break a Guinness World Record due to its massive turnout.
Moshaheb Uddin Bakhteyar, the joint convenor of the Julus Media Committee, mentioned that the Jashne Julus tradition began 50 years ago in 1974, initiated by Allama Syed Muhammad Taiyeb Shah (RA), the then Sajjada Nashin of Darbare Alia Qaderia Sirikot Sharif in Pakistan. He added that this year, around 5 million people are expected to participate, spreading the message of peace through the event.
Bakhteyar also expressed concerns over the growing trend of destroying shrines across the country and called for government action to prevent such practices.
One of the highlights of the Julus is a specially designed vehicle dedicated to Huzur Kebla, operated by Mohammad Hossain Khokon since 2008. Khokon expressed his gratitude for being entrusted with the task, explaining how he carefully maneuvers the vehicle with respect amidst the massive crowd.
The Anjuman Security Force (ASF) is ensuring safety, with 300 trained members on duty. In addition, thousands of volunteers from the Gausia Committee Bangladesh and students from the Jameya are assisting in managing the crowd.
OC Mohammad Soleiman of Panchlaish police station confirmed that over 1,000 law enforcement officers are deployed to maintain order during the event.
The Julus will pass through Bibirhat, Muradpur, turning right at the Sholoshahar 2 No. Gate, and then proceed via GEC intersection, returning to the Jameya Ahmadia Sunnia Kamil Madrasa grounds. Traffic on these roads will be strictly controlled during the procession.
Roadblocks and diversions will also be set up at major points like Bibhirhat, Muradpur, Panchlaish, Hamzarbag, Sholakbahar, Mirzarpool Road, and Sher Shah intersection to ensure smooth traffic management.
The Anjuman-e-Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust’s Vice President, Md. Amir Hossain Sohel, expressed his gratitude to law enforcement, the administration, and the media for their cooperation in making the Julus a success.