Lakhs join Jumma prayer at Ijtema ground

Lakhs of pilgrims and a large number of people from the capital Dhaka and adjacent areas joined Jumma prayer on Friday on Biswa Ijtema ground, the eastern bank of Turag.

The Dhaka-Mymensingh has been closed due to heavy pressure of people.

The first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslim community after Hajj, began officially after Fazr prayer in Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka, amid tight security and shivering cold.

Thousands of devotes gathered on the banks of the Turag River to take part in the first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema.

The Ijtema began with ‘Aam Bayan’ (general sermons) by noted scholars after Fazr prayer will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayer) on January 15.

The second phase of the Ijtema, however, will begin on January 20 at the same venue and it is scheduled to end with Akheri Munajat on January 22.

Adequate security arrangements have been taken for smooth holding of the Bishwa Ijtema. All the police, RAB and other law and enforcement agencies and the administration have been working together in a cordial atmosphere.

Special measures have been taken by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) and Dhaka District Police to facilitate the movement of pilgrims coming for Ijtema.