Thousands of Muslim devotees around the world have thronged the Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest Muslim congregation after the Hajj.
The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema began on Friday morning with the "Aam Boyan" (main sermon) after the Fajr prayers.
Devotees were seen moving towards the venue by buses, trucks, cars and pickup vans along with their necessities.
Government and private organisations have set up 54 medical camps around the Ijtema field to provide treatment to the devotees.
Besides, five control rooms have been set up to assist the devotees, one by city corporation, one by the district administration, one by Rapid Action Battalion, one by police and one by Ansar members. A total of 14 watch towers – nine by RAB and five by police – have been set up around the Ijtema ground.
Earlier, Gazipur Police Superintendent Harun-or-Rashid told the Dhaka Tribune that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure security of devotees and nearly 12,000 police members are stationed around the venue.
The first phase of Ijtema will end on January 10 and the second phase will begin on January 15, ending on January 17.