GAZIPUR, Jan 12 (UNB): The first phase of three-day Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, ended here on Sunday through the Akheri Munajat (final prayers).
Maulana Zubair Hassan, Bangladeshi leader of Tabligh Jamaat, conducted the final prayers from 11:06am. His followers took part in the first phase.
Thousands of devotees raised their hands seeking divine forgiveness and blessings for peace and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah.
The Ijtema began on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi after Fazr prayers on Friday with "a'm bayan" (general sermons) by Pakistani Islamic scholar Maulana Obaidul Khorshed.
Meanwhile, 11 devotees have so far died due to old-age complications at the Ijtema venue.
The second phase of the Biswa Ijtema will be held on January 17-19 when the followers of Indian Tabligh Jamaat leader Maulana Saad Kandhalvi will take part.
Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina taking part in the 'Akheri Munajat' of the first phase of the Biswa Ijtema on Sunday from Ganobhaban — Focus Bangla
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday joined the Akheri Munajat of the 55th Biswa Ijtema from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Prime Minister's younger sister Sheikh Rehana also took part in the munajat along with her.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and officials and employees of the Prime Minister's Office and Ganobhaban were also there.
A special prayer was offered seeking continued peace, progress and welfare of the country as well as the greater unity of the Muslim Ummah.