Second phase of the Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest congregations of the Muslims, begins today on the bank of Turag river in Tongi.
Lakhs of devotes from home and abroad are expected to join the congregation to seek blessings of Allah. It will conclude on Sunday.
For the first time this year, the Ijtema is being held in two phases. Traditionally, it used to be a three-day single-phase gathering held since 1967.
The first phase was held from January 21 to 23.
Devotees from 33 of the country’s 64 districts joined the first phase while devotees from rest of the districts will join the second phase.
Tens of thousands of devotees with winter clothes and cooking apparatus from across the country have gathered at the Ijtema venue some 20km north of the capital.
The number of devotees is expected to rise to join the Akheri Munajat — the concluding prayer — on Sunday.
President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP chief Khaleda Zia, ministers and political leaders joined the concluding prayers of the first phase.
A three-tier security is in place to ensure peaceful holding of the event. Around one thousand members of intelligence will keep vigil in and around the venue.
Dhaka Wasa and Tongi Wasa have set up 13 tube-wells to ensure availability of pure drinking water.
Thirty-seven makeshift health centres, special medical teams, and nine ambulances of Tongi Hospital will be on standby for the Ijtema.
