Gazipur Correspondent

Country’s biggest Jumma Jamaat held at Ijtema ground today as thousands of Muslim devotees including foreigners attended the Friday's Jummah prayers on the first day of the 58th Biswa Ijtema.

Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of the Tabligh Jamaat, organizer of the Ijtema, told BSS today that Maulana Zubair Ahmed conducted the Jumma prayers which started at 1.50.

At the end of the Jummah prayers, a special munajat was offered seeking unity, peace, prosperity and seeking forgiveness of Allah for the Muslim Ummah.

After Jummah, Maulana Sheikh Umar Khatib of Jordan delivered a sermon. After Asr, Maulana Zubair of Bangladesh will present a sermon.

Noted Islamic Scholar from India Maulana Ahmed Lat will deliver a sermon after Maghrib.

The first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema, one of the largest congregations of world Muslims after Hajj, began today on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital.

Thousands of people gathered on the Ijtema ground to participate in the Jummah prayers from the capital and surrounding areas boarding on rail, buses and launches.

The Ijtema commenced with Aam Bayan (general sermons) by renowned scholars, including Pakistani religious cleric Maulana Ziaul Huq after Fajr prayers. It will conclude with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on Sunday (February 2).

This year, the Ijtema will be held in three phases. The first phase, beginning today, will continue until February 2. The second phase is scheduled for February 3 to 5, while the third phase will take place from February 14 to 16.

Devotees from parts of Dhaka and 41 other districts will participate in the first phase, while devotees from the remaining parts of Dhaka and 22 other districts will attend the second phase.

Followers of Maulana Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi will participate in the third phase scheduled to be held from February 14 to 16.

Strict security measures have been taken in and around the Ijtema ground to ensure the safety of the devotees.

The entire Ijtema ground and its surrounding areas have been brought under CCTV surveillance, with control rooms and security archways installed at all entry points to enhance security.