Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The World Congregation of Muslims, generally known as Biswa Ijtema, will begin on the bank of river Turag just outside Dhaka on January 13 this year.

The first phase of the Ijtema, organized by the Tabligh-e-Jamaat, will be held on January 13-15 while the second phase on January 20-22, organizers said, adding that the Bishwa Ijtema will be held in two phases because of accommodation problem.

The Bishwa Ijtema was first launched in 1946 and is now the second largest congregation of Muslims in the world after the Hajj, they added.

Devotees from about 100 countries including China, USA, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and European will take part in the Ijtem. Special arrangement has been made for foreign devotees.

This year, ten bailey bridges will be set up to connect the Ijtema venue with the western side of river Turag. Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Armed Police and Ansars will be deployed to look into the security aspects.

Besides, nine security camps with close-circuit television (CCTV) will be set up at the main entrance of the Ijtema venue. A total of 135 medical teams and 12 ambulances will work round the clock.

BBN/SSR/AD-10Dec11-12:10 am (BST)