FROM TONGI: More devotees are still thronging Tongi to join the Biswa Ijtema, known as the world’s second-largest congregation of Muslims, on Saturday, the second day of three-day meet.

However, three more pilgrims died of old age complications and due to cold weather at Ijtema ground on the bank of Turag River early hours of the second day.

The deceased were identified as   Jiad Ali, 60 of Doulatpur thana of Kushtia, Abdul majid, 70, of Sirajganj and unidentified one aged 30.

Their namaz-e-janaza was held in front to main stage of Ijtema after Fajr prayers and later the bodies were handed over to their relatives.
 
Large number of people from the city and its adjacent areas will join Ijtema on Sunday when the first phase of the meet will be concluded after the Akheri Munajat or final prayer.

Pakistani Maulana Abdul Aziz is delivering his religious sermon after Fajr prayers on the second day of Biswa Ijtema.

Religion Affairs Minister Principal Matiur Rahman, Freedom Fighter Affairs Minister Advocate AKM Mozammel Haque, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Benjir Ahmed and others high officials visited the Ijtema ground.

Muslims of 32 districts are taking part in the first phase of this gathering launched by Tablig Jamaat, a non-political religious group.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the Muslims both at home and abroad on the occasion of the Bishwa Ijtema.
 
The second phase of the Ijtema will be held from January 31-February 2.

BDST: 1131 HRS, JAN 25, 2014