GAZIPUR: The second phase of 53rd Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the Muslims, began on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi on the outskirts of the city Friday (January 19).

The three-day long last phase Ijtema began with 'Aam Bayan' (general sermons) by noted scholars after Fazr prayers.

Thousands of devotees from home and abroad thronged the Ijtema ground to take part in the religious event.

The second phase Ijtema is scheduled to end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on January 21.

An eight-tier security measure will be taken with deployment of 7,000 policemen and about 250 RAB members to avert any untoward incident during the Ijtema, law enforcement agency sources said.

However, the first of Ijtema began on January 12 and concluded on January 14.

BDST: 0945 HRS, JAN 19, 2018
SI