Millions of hands raised in prayer

FROM Biswa Ijtema, translated as world congregation of Muslims, by the bank of Turag in Tongi, the second largest after Hajj, millions of hands were raised in Akheri Munajat, the concluding prayer, yesterday. It was a massive demonstration of supplication before the Almighty seeking His blessings for peace, harmony and prosperity of the Muslim world, by an extension to the mankind. In fact, imbued with the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood, Muslims from different parts of the world gathered together under the same canopy exchanging views and listening to the discourses from eminent scholars of the Islamic world. It was spiritually heartwarming and enlightening for the participants. As usual a call for piety went out.
Bangladesh considers itself fortunate to be playing host to this annual event of renewal of faith through handholding signifying equality, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence, the core content of Islam. At a time when the Islamic world is ridden with conflicts of various kinds, the messages that go out from Tongi bear an unmistakable stamp of contextual relevance.
It is a tribute to the event management capability of Bangladesh. The sheer scale of challenges in terms of transportation, accommodation, supply of utilities, security, healthcare and facilities for prayers and communion were massive. To have fulfilled the huge tasks with success does great credit to the organisers. Our congratulations to them.