2nd phase of Bishwa Ijtema begins
The second phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the Muslims, began on the bank of the Turag River in Tongi today (14 February).
The ijtema began with 'Aam Bayan' (general sermons) by noted Islamic scholars after Fazr prayers and will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on 16 February.
The day began with a general sermon delivered by Maulana Abdus Sattar of Nizamuddin Markaz after Fajr prayers, said Mohammad Sayem, media coordinator for Saad followers.
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"Followers of Maulana Saad are participating in this phase. Besides, lakhs of Muslims from Dhaka, Gazipur and Savar and surrounding areas joined the Jummah prayer on the venue today," he said.
Maulana Yusuf bin Saad Kandhalvi, eldest son of Maulana Saad from India, led the Jummah prayer at the Ijtema Maidan.
So far, 1,500 foreign devotees from 47 countries have come to the ground to join the Bishwa Ijtema, Sayem said.
He also said that a dowry-free wedding will be arranged at ijtema tomorrow.
The government has taken adequate security measures ahead of the 2nd phase of Bishwa Ijtema.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan told The Business Standard that in addition to 7,000 law enforcement members, other forces, including RAB, have been deployed.
The security management of the Ijtema Maidan is being monitored through close circuit (CC) cameras, watch towers, check posts and from rooftops, he added.
Many pilgrims from different countries of the world, including Bangladesh started pouring into the ijtema venue from yesterday.
Since the holy Shab-e-Barat has fallen tonight, thousands of devotees are participating in the Ijtema Maidan to observe the night of fortune, said Mohammad Sayem.
The 'Bayan Mancha' has been set up for domestic and foreign devotees in the northwest of the Ijtema ground, he said, adding that special accommodation has been arranged for foreigners on the west side of the Bayan Mancha.
He said that the Army and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) have constructed a floating bridge over the Turag River for smooth movement of the devotees.
The district administration on 9 February handed over the Tongi Ijtema ground to the followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi for holding the second phase of the Bishwa Ijtema.
After completion of the second phase, the ground will be handed over to the district administrator again on 18 February.
