Prayer on the banks of Turag

A million Muslim devotees from home and abroad raised their hands in prayer for the Almighty's continued guidance to find the right path to spiritual salvation of the faithful and the entire humanity.
Like every year, the Ijtema, a mammoth congregation of Muslim worshippers, the second largest after the Hajj, has been held so smoothly and quietly largely without any untoward happening. Undoubtedly, by hosting such a huge event, Bangladesh has carved a niche for itself among the fraternity. The congregation has demonstrated that a spiritual bond holds the people together.
The spirit of self-organisation and the sense of mutual respect, tolerance, peace and order that the devotees themselves have displayed throughout the event should be an inspiration for all regardless of beliefs.
The government, too, deserves acclaim for maintaining law and order at the Ijtema ground as well as the security and safety of the millions who attended the event.
Renowned Islamic scholars from neighbouring India, Pakistan as well as from countries as far as Egypt and Saudi Arabia in their sermons at the assembly propagated the universal message of peace and love for fellow beings.
This message of peace, unity and tolerance bears especial significance at a time when the world is going through spasms of socio-political upheavals.
Muslim ummah, in particular, is riven by fratricidal conflicts and civil strife. Extremism in the name of Islam as well as bigotry and ignorance have been eroding the true spirit of the faith and causing blood of the innocent to spill.
It is hoped that the message of peace, unity and tolerance pronounced from the bank of Turag in Tongi would guide all to bury rivalry and hatred towards one another and begin to lead a life of happiness and harmony.