Dhaka: The first phase of Biswa Ijtema, one of the biggest congregations of Muslims in the globe, begins on Friday on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi, on the outskirt of the capital.

The congregation, also called the World Muslims’ Congregation, will start formally with religious sermons after Fajar prayers today and it will end with Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) on Sunday.

Several lakhs of Muslims are expected to join the Jum’a prayer at the Ijtema venue on Friday.

The second spell of Ijtema is scheduled to be held from 15-17 January on the same venue.

Thousands of devotees from home and abroad started congregating on the Turag bank to take part in the 72-hour religious event since Thursday morning, reports local news agency.

Tight security measures have been taken for the event with several thousand members of different law-enforcement agencies, including RAB and police, will be in place there in Tongi.

Besides, thousands of volunteers are working round the clock to make sure the event runs smoothly.

Several health centres have been set up at different parts of the venue along with beds and almost all first aid and other treatment facilities with doctors doing round-the-clock-duties at each centre.

Special measures were taken for uninterrupted power supply during the three-day Ijtema.

Bangladesh Railway is operating 28 special trains to carry the devotees of the two-phase Biswa Ijtema. BRTC is operating 228 buses for carrying the devotees to the Ijtema ground.