A Correspondent:
Gazipur: The second phase of this year’s Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the Muslims, concluded yesterday with akheri munajat (final prayer) on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi on the capital’s outskirts.
Followers of Maulana Saad participated in this phase. Thousands of Muslims from Dhaka, Gazipur and Savar and surrounding areas joined the ijtema.
The Ijtema ground was filled to the brim prior to the beginning of final prayer. Thousands of devo-tees gathered in the Ijtema venue and surrounding areas since this morning to take part in the final prayer.
“We are thankful to the almighty Allah for being able to complete the Ijtema without any inci-dent,” said Mohammad Sayem, media coordinator for Saad followers yesterday.
He said several thousand foreign devotees took part in the final phase of the Ijtema which began with ‘Aam Bayan’ (general sermons) by noted Islamic scholars after Fazr prayers on February 14.
The government took adequate security measures in the 2nd phase of Bishwa Ijtema.
The security management of the Ijtema Maidan was monitored through close circuit (CC) cameras, watch towers and from rooftops while adequate number of police personnel was deployed.
Intelligence agencies in plain clothes remained on duty in every Khitta along with specialized teams, according to law enforcement sources.
The district administration on February 9 handed over the Tongi Ijtema ground to the followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi for holding the second phase of the Bishwa Ijtema, said Mohammad Sayem.
Deputy Police Commissioner of Gazipur NM Nasir Uddin told that the law enforcement agencies performed their duties with sincerity and responsibly in the Ijtema.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Md Wahid Hossain said the ijtema ground will be handed over to the district administrator again on February 18.
