First phase Akheri Munajat today

GAZIPUR, Feb 3 (Agencies): Three more Ijtema devotees died on Saturday, taking the death toll to 10 as the first phase of the Muslim congregation entered its second day.

The deceased were identified as Nousher Ali, 65, hailed from Sherpur district, Abdul Qader, 55, an inhabitant in Bhola district and Shadhin, 45, a resident in Netrakona district.

Mass Media Coordinator of Ijtema Organizing Committee Habibulla Raihan said. "They have died of old-age complications mostly from Friday noon to Saturday noon during the first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema" he added.

Earlier, seven people died on the Ijtema ground. Of them, a policeman Hasanuzzan and two other devotees were crushed by a bus on the way to the Ijtema venue in Tongi.

The Ijtema entered its second day with continued spiritual activities, including the recitation of Almighty Allah's divine names and sermons.

Commencing on Friday after Fazr prayers, the event kicked off with general sermons by the esteemed Maulana Ahmad Buttullah from Pakistan. The grounds of the Ijtema are witnessing the influx of several hundred thousand Muslim worshippers from around the world.

Saturday's dawn prayers were followed by a sermon  from Maulana Abdur Rahman of India, which Maulana Abdul Matin translated into Bangla. The day was scheduled to continue with teachings from Maulana Zahirul Hasan and Maulana Ibrahim Deula post-Asr and Maghrib prayers, respectively.

Devotees were steadily arriving at the site by various means of transport, eager to participate in the ongoing religious observance.

The culmination of the Ijtema's first phase will be marked by the Akheri Munajat today (Sunday).

To address accommodation demands, the Ijtema has been bifurcated into two phases since 2012. The subsequent gathering will take place on February 9 at the same location.

For security, approximately 15,000 law enforcement officials are on duty at the Ijtema grounds and the surrounding vicinity, supplemented by undercover police and intelligence personnel.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is also present, with watchtowers erected to oversee and ensure the safety of the congregation.

The Tabligh Jamaat has been hosting the Bishwa Ijtema at Tongi since 1967 and introduced the phase system in 2011 to better manage the growing number of participants.