Biswa Ijtema first phase to end with Akheri Munajat Sunday
Gazipur: The first phase of Biswa Ijtema, one of the biggest congregations of Muslims in the globe, will be concluded on Sunday with the offering of Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers).
Eminent Islamic scholar of India Moulana Shad is likely to conduct the Munajat which will start in between 10:30am and 11:00am, said Gazipur deputy commissioner SM Alam.
Bangladesh Railway will operate special trains on different routes, including Akhaura, Comilla and Mymensingh, so that people can go to the Ijtema venue to take part in the Akheri Munajat, said Tongi railway station master M Halimuzzaman.
Besides, movement of vehicles, except ambulances and police vans, from Chandana intersection of Gazipur on Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to Airport, and from Savar-Bypile of Tongi-Ashulia road to Abdullahpur and Mirerbazar of Kaligang-Tongi road will remain restricted from 2:00am on Sunday during the offering of Akheri Munajat, said Gazipur superintendent of police Mohammad Harun Or Rashid.
President Abdul Hamid will take part in the Akheri Munajat from the Bangabhaban, President's press secretary Ihsanul Karim told UNB.
The three-day congregation began on the bank of the Turag River after Fazr prayers on Friday with religious sermons delivered by noted scholar Maulana Abdur Rahman of Pakistan.
Islamic scholar of Tabligh Jamaat Abdul Matin interpreted the sermons into Bangla.
Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation problem.
The second phase of Ijtema is scheduled to be held on 15-17 January at the same place.
Meanwhile, five devotees died in separate incidents at the Ijtema venue on Thursday and Friday.
Tight security measures have been taken for the event along with deployment of several thousand members of different law-enforcement agencies, including RAB and police.
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 have also been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity during the three-day Ijtema.
Bangladesh Railway is operating 28 special trains to carry the devotees of the two-phase Ijtema.
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is operating 228 buses for carrying the devotees to the Ijtema ground from different places, including the capital, and sending them back to their respective areas.