Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Abdul Hamid on Sunday joined the Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) of Biswa Ijtema as the first phase of the world’s largest Muslim congregation after the holy Hajj ended on the banks of River Turag at Tongi in Gazipur.

From her official Ganabhaban residence, the prime minister took part in the prayer, while the president joined the prayer from Bangabhaban.

Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury, former minister and Awami League Presidium Member Advocate Sahara Khatoon and family members and relatives of the premier joined the prayers with Sheikh Hasina.

A special prayer was offered on the occasion seeking continued peace, progress and welfare of the country as well as the greater unity of the Muslims. Noted Indian Islamic scholar Mawlana Saad led the prayers.

Tens of thousands of devotees from 16 districts of the country attended the first phase. The districts are Gazipur, Dhaka, Tangail, Mymensingh, Brahmanbaria, Manikganj, Rangpur, Chapainawabganj, Rangamati, Bandarban, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Jessore, Khagrachhari, Joypurhat, Moulvibazar and Satkhira.

Police super of Gazipur Harun-Or-Rashid said 7,804 foreigners of about 91 countries including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Palestine, Tunisia, Bahrain, France, Kuwait, Somalia, Kenya, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Iraq and Iran took part in the first phase of the congregation.

The devotees from other districts of the country will participate in the second phase of Biswa Ijtema slated for 20-22 January.

The first phase of Biswa Ijtema, which formally started with ‘ambayan’ (general sermon) after Fazr prayers on Friday, ended with Akheri Munajat.

The sermons were translated into different languages of the world.

The Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2011 to ease accommodation and transportation problems.

The New Delhi-based Tablig-e-Jamaat has been organising the Ijtema since 1967.