First phase of Biswa Ijtema begins

The first phase of six-day Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest congregations of Muslims, commenced on the banks of the Turag in Tongi yesterday, with religious sermons after Fajr prayers.

Thousands of people joined Juma prayers yesterday as more devotees continued to arrive at the venue from home and abroad.

Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of Zubair faction of Tabligh Jamaat, said the Ijtema formally began with "Aam Bayan" (general sermons) by India's Maulana Ibrahim Deola.

He added that 850 foreign devotees from 42 countries have reached there.

Followers of Maulana Zubair Ahmed are attending the first phase from yesterday to February 5, while those of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi will take part in the second phase from February 14 to 16.

The Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) for Zubair's followers from 42 districts will take place on February 2, while those from other 22 districts will offer prayers on February 5. The followers of Saad will have their concluding prayers on February 16.

After Fajr prayers yesterday, Pakistan's Maulana Ziaul Haque delivered sermons, translated by Maulana Nurur Rahman. Around 10:00am, "Talim" (religious education) sessions were held in different areas, while Maulana Zubair conducted the Juma prayers.

Meanwhile, two devotees died on the first day of the congregation due to age-related complications.

People offering Juma prayers in the Tongi Station Road area as the gatherings of devotees spill onto roads from the Tongi Ijtema ground. The first phase of the six-day Biswa Ijtema began on the banks of the Turag yesterday. Devotees from home and abroad have thronged there to take part in the Ijtema. Photo: Palash Khan

The deceased were Chabet Ali, 70, of Sherpur, and Abdul Quddus Gazi, 60, of Khulna's Dumuria upazila. Their funeral prayers were held at the Ijtema ground after Juma prayers, saidHabibullah.

Another devotee, Mintu, 60, sustained burn injuries while cooking.

Security has been heightened in and around the venue.

Habib Iskandar, officer-in-charge of Tongi West Police Station, said police and Rab control rooms, watchtowers, and CCTV cameras have been installed for monitoring the venue. Plainclothes law enforcement personnel have also been deployed, while around 10,000 volunteers are assisting with security. Special security zones have also been set up for foreigners, he said.

Besides, free medical services are being provided at the Uttara Motors ground by Gazipur City Corporation, the Department of Health, Rab, Hamdard Laboratories, Islamic Mission, Islamic Foundation, Homeopathic Welfare Foundation, Uttara Modern Medical College Hospital, Square Pharmaceuticals, Red Crescent Society, and around 20 other organisations.

[Our Gazipur correspondent contributed to this report.]