First phase of Biswa Ijtema begins

The first phase of Biswa Ijtema, one of the biggest congregations of Muslims in the globe, began on Friday on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi, on the edge of the capital, reports news agency UNB.

The congregation, also called the World Muslims’ Congregation, began with the deliberation of ‘Aam Bayan’ (general sermons) by noted scholar Maulana Abdur Rahman of Pakistan after Fazr prayers while Islamic scholar of Tabligh Jamaat Abdul Matin interpreted the sermons into Bangla.
The 3-day Ijtema will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on Sunday.

Several lakhs of Muslims from home and abroad started congregating to the Turag bank to take part in the 72-hour religious event since Thursday.

Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation problem.

The second phase of Ijtema is scheduled to be held on January 15-17 at the same place.

Meanwhile, two devotees died of old age complications at the Ijtema venue on Thursday night and their namaz-e-janaza was held after Fazr prayer.

Tight security measures have been taken for the event along with deployment of several thousand members of different law-enforcement agencies, including Rab and police.

Besides, thousands of volunteers are working round the clock to make sure the event runs smoothly.

Several health centres 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 duties at each centre.

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

Bangladesh Railway is operating 28 special trains to carry the devotees of the two-phase Biswa Ijtema.

Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is operating 228 buses for carrying the devotees to the Ijtema ground from different places, including the capital, and sending them back to their respective areas.