GAZIPUR, Jan 21, 2023 (BSS)- The second phase of Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the Muslims, will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) tomorrow.

Thousands of devotees took part in the second phase of Bishwa Ijtema today which began on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi, on the outskirts of the city, in the early hours of January 20.

The Ijtema started with 'Aam Bayan' (general sermons) by noted Islamic scholars after Fazr prayers on the day.

India's Maulana Yakub Shihani Nizamuddin started the second day of the second phase with a speech today after Fajr prayers while Maulana Monir bin Yusuf immediately translated it into Bengali. 

Baad Zohar was recited by Maulana Omar Turki. Maulana Ilyas Bin Saad will recite Bad Asr and Mufti Osama Islam will translate it in Bengali.

Maulana Omar Turki recited after Zuhr prayers on the same day and Maulana Ilyas Bin Saad delivered his speech after Asr prayers.

Mufti Osama Islam translated it into Bengali. Maulana Abdus Sattar Nizamuddin delivered sermon after Maghrib prayers while Mufti Zia bin Qasim translated it into Bengali.

In the second phase, more than 7,500 foreign guests from 61 countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Jordan, Malaysia, Indonesia, have stayed at the Ijtema Maidan until today.

The government has taken adequate security measures ahead of the 2nd phase of Bishwa Ijtema.

The security management of the Ijtema Maidan is being monitored through close circuit (CC) cameras, watch towers and rooftops while adequate number of police personnel and intelligence agencies in plain clothes are on duty in every Khitta along with specialized teams, according to law enforcement agencies sources.

The vehicular movement will be restricted ahead of Akheri Munajat.

On the occasion of the Akheri Munajat of the 2nd phase of Biswa Ijtema, the metro rail will run non-stop from Uttara North Metrorail Station to Agargaon Metrorail Station from 8 am to 5 pm on January 22 to ensure smooth journey of passengers, a press release said here yesterday.

MRT pass sales will be closed at the aforesaid stations from 3 pm to 9 pm on Sunday (January 22) in this regard.

The traffic department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has sought the full cooperation of the citizens to maintain law and order and avoid traffic jams on the occasion of the Ijtema.

This year, dowry-free weddings have also been held at Bishwa Ijtema venue. 

Meanwhile, five devotees died due to their physical illness at the second phase Bishwa Ijtema venue between early Thursday and this morning.