GAZIPUR, Feb 1, (V7N) – On the second day of the first phase of the 58th Biswa Ijtema, thousands of devotees listened to scholars' recitations and explanations of Quranic verses on Saturday at the Turag River banks in Gazipur.

So far, three devotees have died since the religious event began on Friday. Additionally, at least four people were killed and 40 others injured in clashes at the Ijtema venue.

The gathering has drawn several lakhs of devotees, including over 2,500 foreign pilgrims from various countries. Devotees engaged in spiritual activities, including zikr (recitation of Allah’s names) and sermons.

The first phase of Ijtema began Friday with the Aam Bayan (general sermon) delivered by Maulana Ziaul Haque after Fajr prayers. On Saturday morning, Maulana Khurshed of Pakistan delivered a sermon, with Maulana Obaidur Rahman translating it into Bangla. Maulana Ibrahim Deula and Maulana Akbar Sharif are set to deliver sermons throughout the day.

Authorities have deployed thousands of law enforcers in and around the Ijtema venue, including plainclothes officers, to ensure security. Adequate water supply, healthcare, and other necessary arrangements have also been made for the devotees.

A mass wedding ceremony will take place after Asr prayers on Saturday.

The first phase will conclude on Sunday with the Akheri Munajat (final prayers).

Tabligh Jamaat has been organizing the Biswa Ijtema at this venue since 1967. Due to the massive turnout, the congregation was divided into two phases in 2011.

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