The first phase of Biswa Ijtema, the second largest Muslim congregation after Hajj, has ended with Akheri Munajat seeking world peace, stability and divine blessings for humankind.
The Akheri Munajat (final prayer) ended around 11:33am Sunday. Noted Indian scholar Mawlana Muhammad Saad conducted the prayers.
Thousands of Muslims from home and abroad gathered at the Biswa Ijtema grounds in Tongi of Gazipur to join in the Akheri Munajat.
A huge number of devotees gathered at the Ijtema venue by bus, train and other vehicles, organisers said. As the Ijtema from this year would be held in four phases in two years, the organisers said the gathering was not huge like before.
The second phase of Ijtema, to be attended by devotees from 16 other districts, would be held on January 15-17. Muslims from 32 other districts would be able to join the third and fourth congregations next year.
