Gazipur – The second phase of Biswa Ijtema, the largest Muslim congregation after Hajj, began on Friday on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi on the outskirts of the capital.
The three-day congregation, also called the World Muslims’ Congregation, started formally with religious sermons after Fajr prayers. The congregation will end on Sunday with the Akheri munajat.
Lakhs of Muslim devotees from home and abroad converged on the Turag bank to join the religious event.
As in the first phase, Islamic scholars from different countries will deliver sermons which will be instantly interpreted into Bangla, English and a few other languages.
People from 16 districts will attend the second phase Biswa Ijtema.
Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation problem.
Tight security measures have been taken for the event while several thousand members of different law enforcement agencies will remain deployed in Tongi.
The first phase of Biswa Ijtema was held at the same venue on January 13-15. Devotees from 16 districts attended the first phase of Ijtema. -UNB
