Second phase Bishwa Ijtema begins

The second phase of three-day Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, begins on the banks of the Turag river at Tongi, Gazipur on Friday, reports UNB.

The 55th edition of the Bishwa Ijtema began through "a'm bayan" (general sermons) after Fazr prayers with the participation of the followers of Indian Islamic preacher Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi.

Several thousand devotees are expected to offer Jum'a prayers on the first day of the second phase Ijtema.

Thousands of devotees from home and abroad have started thronging the banks of the Turag river to take part in the religious event to seek divine blessings of the Almighty Allah.

The three-day Biswa Ijtema will end on 19 January with Akheri Munajat (final prayers).

Additional police will be deployed in and around the Ijtema venue to ensure security of the devotees. The venue has been brought under CCTV surveillance.

The first phase of three-day Bishwa Ijtema ended on Sunday through the Akheri Munajat.

Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the congregation at the venue since 1967.