TONGI: Three Muslim devotees died due to old-related illness early Saturday, the second day of first phase of Biswa Ijtema in Tongi on the outskirts of the capital.

The dead persons were identified as M Kafil Uddin, 65, hailed from Noldanga upazila of Natore, rediedd in South Badda of Dhaka,  Jahangir Alam, 65, and Abdus Salam, 50, of Kapasia Upazila of Gazipur

Kafil Uddin died of breathing problems and old-age complications around 3:45am while Jahangir Alam and Abdus Salam died of old-cage complications and breathing problem respectively.

After Fajr prayers, namaz-e-janaza of them was held and then bodies were sent to their respective home.

Thousands of people from 32 districts and 5,000 foreign devotees from 51 countries have joined Biswa Ijtema, the second largest annual Islamic congregation after the Hajj, ignoring chilling winter and ongoing 20-party blockade.

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.

The first phase of the three-day Biswa Ijtema, being organised by Tablig Jamaat will conclude on Sunday with the Akheri Munajat seeking spiritual wellbeing and welfare of the Muslim Ummah, sources added.

On the other hand, the second phase of Ijtema will be held on January 16-18.

BDST: 1112 HRS, JAN 10, 2015