Ittefaq Report
The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, began on the bank of the Turag River on Friday.
The ijtema began with ‘a’m bayan’ (general sermons) by Jordanian Islamic scholar Maulana Sheikh Umar.
Thousands of Muslim devotees from 16 districts of the country have already gathered at the venue to take part in the religious congregation. Devotees from 135 countries will also participate in the Ijtema.
The first phase of 53rd Biswa Ijtema will end on Sunday with the Akheri Munajat.
Police have taken a five-tier security measure for the Biswa Ijtema to ensure overall security.
Besides, special measures have been taken to ease the traffic system which will come into effect from the first days of the two phases of Ijtema.
Around 50 CCTVs have been installed there to monitor the Ijtema ground and the adjoining areas.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Railway (BR) has made arrangements to operate special trains on different routes of the country to facilitate the movement of Muslim devotees of the Biswa Ijtema.
The second phase of Ijtema will be held from January 19 to 21.
