The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema, one of the biggest congregations of Muslims in the globe, began on Friday on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi, on the edge of the capital, reports UNB.
The 3-day Ijtema will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on Sunday.
Several lacs of Muslims from home and abroad started congregating to the Turag bank to take part in the 72-hour religious event since Thursday.
Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation problem.
The second phase of Ijtema is scheduled to be held on January 15-17 at the same place.
Meanwhile, two devotees died of old age complications at the Ijtema venue on Thursday night and their namaz-e-janaza was held after Fazr prayer.
Tight security measures have been taken for the event along with deployment of several thousand members of different law-enforcement agencies, including Rab and police.
Besides, thousands of volunteers are working round the clock to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Special measures have also been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity during the three-day Ijtema.
Bangladesh Railway is operating 28 special trains to carry the devotees of the two-phase Biswa Ijtema.
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is operating 228 buses for carrying the devotees to the Ijtema ground from different places, including the capital, and sending them back to their respective areas.
Info:samakal.net
