DHAKA: Vast crowds of Muslim devotees prayed Juma prayer in Ijtema ground on the bank of river Turag at Tongi as the second largest annual Islamic congregation after the Hajj began on Friday amid tight security.
However, the 50th congregation of the Biswa Ijtema began with religious sermons by Maulana Ismail Hossain after the Fajr prayers.
Thousands of people from 32 districts and 5,000 foreign devotees from 51 countries have joined Juma prayers which started at 2:00pm on the first day of congregation.
Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Afsarul Ameen, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russel, Mayor of Tongi municipality Azmat Ullah Khan among others also joined in the prayer.
The Imam of Kakrail mosque, Hafez Mohammad Jubayer, led the prayer session in the Ijtema ground which literally turned into a human sea with thousands of devotees from home and aboard ignoring chilling winter and ongoing 20-party blockade.
The main sermon, several religious sermons by Islamic scholars on Islam for the Muslim Ummah has started after the Juma prayer which will continue till Asr prayer.
One of the devotees, Ayatullah, said that they listened to the speakers who guide us in the path of almighty Allah and his messenger Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).
Another pilgrim from Rangpur, Nur-e-Alam said that they prepared to join the prayers with millions others to seek mercy from almighty Allah.
The ongoing political turmoil could not stop the Muslim devotees from joining the congregation.
The administration and law enforcement agencies have taken many initiatives and they are in an alert position to avert any untoward situation.
Law enforcement agencies took a five-tire security measures in and around the venue of Biswa Ijtema. More than 10,000 members of the RAB, police forces have been deployed to ensure security of devotees.
However, Different organizations would offer free medical services for devotees.
Five medical camps have been set up at Munnu gate, Atlas gate, Bata Factory gate, Tongi Hospital to provide free medical services for devotees in case of emergencies. A sum of 12 ambulances remained deployed to transport patients to hospital if necessary.
Engineering department of Bangladesh Army has set up seven floating bridges to cross the Turag river. Besides, Gazipur City Corporation has installed 11 tube wells to ensure supply of more than 3-crore litres pure drinking water a day and renovated bathrooms and public toilets at the venue.
Media center and free WiFi zone for media persons was also set up there.
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation has introduced special bus services to carry devotees to the Ijtema ground from across the country.
The first phase of the second largest congregation of Muslims will come to an end on Sunday amid Akheri Munajat.
On the other hand, the second phase of Ijtema will be held on January 16-18.
** Biswa Ijtema beginsaa
BDST: 1553 HRS, JAN 09, 2015
