Biswa Ijtema starts

The three-day first phase of Biswa Ijtema began on the bank of river Turag at Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka on Friday morning.

The congregation, organized by Tablig Jamaat, will conclude on Sunday through the final prayers `Akheri Munajat`.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have given separate messages on the eve of the Ijtema.

Thousands of devotees, both local and foreign, have already arrived at the Ijtema venue divided into different khittas (parts).

Gazipur City Corporation, district administration, RAB, police, Asnar-VDP have set up five control rooms. Fire Service and Civil Defence has also set up a control room.

Members from different law enforcement agencies have been deployed in and around the Ijtema ground for ensuring security of the devotees.

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.

The second phase of the Ijtema will begin on January 15 and conclude on January 17 through another Akheri Munajat.