Gazipur, Feb 02 (V7N) — The first phase of the 58th Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest annual gatherings of Muslims, concluded Sunday morning with the Akheri Munajat (final prayer) on the banks of the Turag River in Gazipur.

Tens of thousands of devotees, both from Bangladesh and abroad, took part in the 24-minute prayer, which began at 9:11 a.m. and was conducted by Maulana Jubair, a leader of Bangladesh’s Tabligh Jamaat.

A Sea of Worshippers

The massive congregation saw participation from devotees from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and beyond, with the sheer scale of attendance extending several kilometers beyond the main Ijtema ground.

Many were seen praying from rooftops, roadsides, and vehicles, as crowds filled the entire surrounding area. Some broke down in tears, seeking divine blessings for both this life and the hereafter. Women also took part in the prayer, marking their presence in large numbers.

Mass Departure Begins

As the final prayer ended, thousands of devotees rushed toward train stations, roads, and highways, creating a mass exodus from the Ijtema venue.

Security and Losses

To ensure safety, thousands of law enforcement personnel, including plainclothes officers, were deployed throughout the event.

Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh’s Shurayi Nezam, confirmed that five devotees passed away during the three-day religious gathering.

The second phase of the Biswa Ijtema is set to take place next weekend, continuing a tradition that has been ongoing since 1967.

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