DHAKA: With myriad devotees from home and abroad thronging the bank of Turag, the first phase of Biswa Ijtema, the world’s second-largest congregation of Muslims, began on Friday with religious sermons delivered by Islamic scholars.   

Besides, a large number of people from the city and its adjacent areas will join Juma prayers on the sprawling Ijtema ground though the Ijtema get off to a formal start after Fazr prayers in the morning.

Local and foreign devotees from around the globe continued thronging the riverbank to join Ijtema for seeking divine blessings of Allah.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the Muslims both at home and abroad on the occasion of the Bishwa Ijtema.
 
The second of the Ijtema will be held from January 31-February 2.

BDST: 0916 HRS, JAN 24, 2014