Second phase of Ijtema begins today

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

The congregation, also called the World Muslims' Congregation, will start formally with religious sermons after Fajr prayers.

The second phase of the Ijtema, being organised by Tablig Jamaat since 1946, will conclude Sunday with the Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers).

The first phase of Biswa Ijtema concluded on January 11 with the Akheri Munajat.

People from 32 districts attended the 1st phase of Ijtema.

Several lakh Muslims from home and various other countries are expected to join the Juma prayers at the Ijtema venue today.Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation problem.

Preparations have almost been completed for holding the Ijtema smoothly.

Devotees, especially those from the districts outside the capital, are undergoing acute sufferings on their way to the Ijtema venue while travelling by buses, trains or launches during the ongoing countrywide indefinite transport blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-partry alliance.