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The second phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema, the world’s second-largest gathering of Muslims, commenced today (14 February) on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Bangladesh. The event began with ‘Aam Bayan’ (general sermons) delivered by renowned Islamic scholars following the Fajr prayers and will conclude on 16 February with the Akheri Munajat (final prayers).
Maulana Abdus Sattar of Nizamuddin Markaz initiated the gathering with a sermon, as reported by Mohammad Sayem, media coordinator for the Saad followers. This phase primarily sees participants from the Maulana Saad faction. Lakhs of Muslims from surrounding areas, including Dhaka, Gazipur, and Savar, joined in for the Jummah prayers, with Maulana Yusuf bin Saad Kandhalvi, the eldest son of Maulana Saad, leading the congregation.
Approximately 1,500 foreign devotees from 47 countries have already arrived to partake in the ijtema. Additionally, a dowry-free wedding is set to take place during the event tomorrow.
Security arrangements have been heightened with 7,000 law enforcement officers, including the RAB, deployed for the safety of the event. Surveillance is in place via CCTV, watchtowers, and check posts across the venue. A floating bridge over the Turag River, constructed by the Army and BIWTA, ensures smooth movement for the pilgrims.
The ijtema coincides with the holy Shab-e-Barat night, and thousands of devotees are present to observe the night of fortune. Special accommodations have been arranged for foreign visitors at the venue.
The district administration had previously handed over the venue to Maulana Saad’s followers for this phase of the gathering. Once completed on 16 February, the ground will be returned to the district authorities.
