Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The first phase of World Congregation of Muslims, generally known as Biswa Ijtema, concludes on Sunday with Akheri Munajat to be joined by millions of people.
President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia and many more dignitaries are expected to join the concluding prayers.
The concluding prayers are likely to start anytime between 11:30am and 1:00pm (local time).
Noted policymaker of Tablig Jamaat Maulana Jubayer Al-Hasan from India is expected to conduct the Akheri Munajat.
Road traffic on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway and Abdullahpur-Ashulia road will remain suspended from morning till the end of the prayers.
Biswa Ijtema passed off its second day on Saturday with tens of thousands of devotees from home and abroad thronging the bank of river Turag at Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka.
The first phase of three-day annual Islamic congregation began on Friday with the deliberation of 'Aam Bayan' or principal sermons after Fajr prayers.
The Bishwa Ijtema was first launched in 1946 and is now the second largest congregation of Muslims in the world after the Hajj.
Stringent security measures have been put in place in and around the venue. About 12,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure safety of the devotees.
Besides, hundreds of volunteers are working round the clock to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Devotees from 32 districts and over 15,000 foreigners are attending the first phase of the Ijtema. The second phase is scheduled for January 20-22.
BBN/SSR/AD-15Jan12-12:45 am (BST)