The first phase of the Biswa Ijtema at Tongi near the capital ended Sunday with the offering of Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) joined by millions of Muslims from home and abroad.The devotees raised their hands in prayers seeking forgiveness and blessings for peace and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah.
Eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Zobayerul Hasan from India conducted the 17-minute munajat that started at 1:01 pm.
An unprecedented scenario was created as myriad of Muslim devotees raised their hands in a mass prayer seeking the mercy and forgiveness of Almighty Allah. Many devotees broke down in tears during the Akheri Munajat.
The gathering of devotees of all ages spilled over to the roads and areas around the Ijtema venue as Akheri Munajat started. Pin-drop silence prevailed at the virtual sea of humanity with the prayers offered using loud speakers.
Thousands of people joined the munajat by raising their hands from the rooftops and terraces of nearby houses, roads and open fields.
Meanwhile, five devotees, including an Indian National, died of clod related diseases at the Ijtema ground early Sunday.
They are-Md Rafiquddin, 63,of Chabbish Pargana of India, Alauddin Sheikh,50, of Boalmari thana of Faridpur district, Md Ibrahim,50 of Habiganj district, Syed Ali Khan,70, of Monirampur thana of Jessore district and Abul Khair,55 of Chandpur district.
As in the last three years, Biswa Ijtema is being held in two phases this year. The second phase Ijtema will be held on January 18-20 at the same venue.
(Source: United News of Bangladesh)
