The second phase of the three-day Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest global congregation of Muslims after Hajj, on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi is set to end on Sunday through "akheri munajat" (final prayers).
The last day of the Ijtema began with “aam bayan" (general sermons) by Maulana Mursalin of India after Fajr prayers, which was translated into Bangla by Maulana Ashraf Ali.
Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi began his sermon at 9:30am.
Mohammad Sayem, media coordinator for the Bishwa Ijtema, said akheri munajat will be held around 11:30am or 12:30pm after Maulana Saad's sermon.
Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Kandhalvi, son of Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi, will conduct the closing prayers.
Movement of vehicles remained suspended from 6am and will stay that way till the final prayers – from Bhogra Bypass to Addullahpur on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, Khamarpara Road, and Abdullahpur to Bypile on Ashulia Road.
The metro rail will run from 8am to 5pm for smooth movement of the attendees.
The second phase of 56th Bishwa Ijtema began on Friday with general sermons after Fajr prayers with the participation of the followers of Indian Islamic preacher Maulana Muhammad Saad Al Kandhalvi.
Thousands of Muslims raised their hands, seeking divine forgiveness and blessings for peace and the prosperity of the Muslim ummah. They also prayed for the country's welfare.
The first phase of the three-day Bishwa Ijtema ended on January 15.
Tabligh Jamaat has been organizing the congregation in Tongi since 1967. In 2011, it divided Ijtema into two phases to accommodate a large number of attendees.
