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).

Gazipur deputy commissioner SM Alam said eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Shad of India conducted the Munajat which started at about 11:07am.

Bangladesh Railway (BR) 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 about 2:00am on Sunday during the offering of the Akheri Munajat, said Gazipur police super Mohammad Harun Or Rashid.

President Abdul Hamid will take part in the Akheri Munajat from the Bangabhaban, said President’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim.

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 begin from 15-17 January at the same place.

Meanwhile, three devotees including a foreigner died on the Biswa Ijtema ground on Saturday night.

Earlier five devotees died in separate incidents at the Ijtema venue on Thursday and Friday.

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.