DHAKA: The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema ended with ‘Akheri Munajat’ Sunday morning seeking spiritual blessing and welfare of the Muslim Ummah on the bank of river Turag in Tongi, outskirt of Dhaka city.

Indian Islamic scholar Mawlana Saad had conducted the Munajat, which continued till 11:48am starting from 11:20am.

City dwellers along with thousands of people from 32 districts and more than 5,000 foreign devotees from 51 countries have participated in the munajat on the Ijtema ground.

Sources told banglanews that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia also participated in the munajat from their respective office.

However, the 50th congregation of the Biswa Ijtema began on Friday with religious sermons by Maulana Ismail Hossain after the Fajr prayers.

Law enforcement agencies took a five-tire security measures in and around the venue of Biswa Ijtema amid a non-stop countrywide blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance.

More than 10,000 members of the RAB and police were deployed to ensure security of devotees, according to the sources.

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

** ‘Akheri Munajat’ of Ijtema begins

BDST: 1225 HRS, JAN 11, 2015