First phase of Bishwa Ijtema concludes with Akheri Munajat Turag river in Tongi. Photo : BSS
The 24-minute prayer, led by Maulana Zubair, the spiritual leader of Shura-e-Nezami, Bangladesh, began at 9:11 am and lasted until 9:35 am. Devotees gathered in vast numbers, raising their hands in prayer for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the country, its people, and the global Muslim community. The air was filled with the sound of "Amin," as many in the crowd broke down in tears, seeking forgiveness and self-purification.
Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator for the Ijtema organizing committee, noted that the program began after the Fazr prayer on Sunday with a sermon (Aam Bayan) delivered by Maulana Abdur Rahman.
Since early morning, devotees from neighboring areas of Dhaka and Gazipur, as well as from farther districts, made their way to the Ijtema ground. Many walked up to 10 kilometers from Bhogra bypass to the venue, joining the final prayer. Along with men, hundreds of women participated from nearby mills and households.
The event also saw the participation of approximately 3,200 foreign guests from countries including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, the USA, Indonesia, and China.
The second phase of the Ijtema will be held from February 3 to 5, followed by the third phase from February 14 to 16, which will include followers of Maulana Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi.