Muslims pour to Tongi Ijtema to attend Akheri Munajat

The second phase of the three-day Biswa Ijtema, the second-largest gathering of Muslims after the Hajj, and its final prayer service, known as the "Akheri Munajat," is set for Sunday.

The sermon, which began before the last prayer, was scheduled to begin after 9:30 am.

The final prayer will occur before the Zuhr prayers. Devotees from all over the country have been flooding Tongi's streets since early in the morning to take part in the Akheri Munajat.

Moulana Osman preached on the banks of the Turag river after Friday's Fazr prayers to officially begin the event.

In the second phase, more than 7,500 foreign guests from 61 countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Jordan, Malaysia, Indonesia, have stayed at the Ijtema Maidan until today.

The government has taken adequate security measures ahead of the 2nd phase of Bishwa Ijtema.

The security management of the Ijtema Maidan is being monitored through close circuit (CC) cameras, watch towers and rooftops while adequate number of police personnel and intelligence agencies in plain clothes are on duty in every Khitta along with specialized teams, according to law enforcement agencies sources.

The vehicular movement will be restricted ahead of Akheri Munajat.

On the occasion of the Akheri Munajat of the 2nd phase of Biswa Ijtema, the metro rail will run non-stop from Uttara North Metrorail Station to Agargaon Metrorail Station from 8 am to 5 pm on January 22 to ensure smooth journey of passengers, a press release said here yesterday.

MRT pass sales will be closed at the aforesaid stations from 3 pm to 9 pm on Sunday (January 22) in this regard.

The traffic department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has sought the full cooperation of the citizens to maintain law and order and avoid traffic jams on the occasion of the Ijtema.

This year, dowry-free weddings have also been held at Bishwa Ijtema venue.