2nd phase of Biswa Ijtema begins today

GAZIPUR, Jan 30: The second phase of Biswa Ijtema, the second largest Muslim congregation after Hajj, will begin today (Friday) on the bank of Turag River at Tongi on the outskirts of the capital, reports UNB.

The second phase of the Ijtema, being organised by Tablig Jamaat since 1946, will be concluded on Sunday.

The first phase of Biswa Ijtema concluded on Sunday with the Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers). People from 32 districts attended the 1st phase of Ijtema.The congregation, also called the World Muslims' Congregation, will start formally with religious sermons after Fajr prayers today and it will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on Sunday.

Several lakh Muslims are expected to attend the Juma prayers at the Ijtema venue today.

The people of 33 districts (including Dhaka) will attend the second phase Biswa Ijtema. Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation problem.

While visiting the venue on Thursday, it was seen devotees were streaming there in their thousands.