2nd phase Biswa Ijtema begins

Muslim devotees collect water from an open tank for their regular use as they take part in Bishwa Ijtema in Tongi, on the outskirts of Dhaka. Reuters file photo
Muslim devotees collect water from an open tank for their regular use as they take part in Bishwa Ijtema in Tongi, on the outskirts of Dhaka. Reuters file photo

The three-day second phase of Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest Muslim congregations in the world, began on Friday on the bank of river Turag at Tongi on the outskirts of the capital city.

Members from different law enforcement agencies have been deployed in and around the Ijtema ground for ensuring security of the devotees.

The second phase of the Ijtema will end through 'Akheri Munajat' on 22 January (Sunday).

The first phase of Biswa Ijtema started on 13 January and ended on 15 January.

Gazipur district administration and other relevant authorities completed all preparations for the Ijtema.

Thousands of devotees from home and abroad started congregating on the bank of the river Turag to take part in the religious event to seek divine blessings of the Almighty Allah.

Tablig Jamaat has been organizing the Ijtema at the venue since 1967. Now, Ijtema is held in two phases since 2011 to ease the accommodation problem.

Several health cntres have been set up at different parts of the venue along with beds and almost all first aid and other treatment facilities with doctors doing round-the-clock duty at each centre.

Special measures have also been taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the three-day Ijtema.