1st phase of Biswa Ijtema begins Friday

Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the Muslims after hajj, will begin on Friday on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi on the outskirts of the capital. The first phase of the Ijtema, being organised by Tablig Jamaat since 1946, will be held on January 24 to 26 while the second phase on January 31 to February 2. President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion. In his message, the President said, “I believe Biswa Ijtema will play a significant role in strengthening peace, unity, solidarity and fraternity of the Muslim Ummah.” In her message, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that the great religious congregation will play a significant role in establishing peace in the world. “It will strengthen the unity, solidarity and fraternity of the people of the country and the world as well as the Muslim Ummah.” Khaleda Zia, in her message, prayed to the almighty Allah so that all the people of the world can lead a happy and joyful life being freed from confrontation and violence. All preparations have already been completed for smoothly holding the Biswa Ijtema. Working round the clock for nearly two months, thousands of volunteers prepared the venue on 160 acres of land to accommodate the devotees, according to a news agency.