The first phase of the three-day Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims across the world, ended with Akheri Munajat seeking spiritual well-being and welfare of the Muslim Ummah on the banks of Turag River at Tongi in Gazipur on Sunday morning.

Maulana Jubair Hassan, Bangladeshi leader of Tabligh Jamaat, conducted the prayer from 11:10 am and 11:45 am. His followers took part in the first phase.

Thousands of local and foreign devotees took part in the religious event to seek divine blessings of the Almighty Allah.

They raised their hands seeking divine forgiveness and blessings for peace and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah.

The Ijtema began on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi after Fazr prayers on Friday with “a’m bayan” (general sermons) by Pakistani Islamic scholar Maulana Obaidul Khorshed.

Meanwhile, 12 devotees have so far died due to old-age complications at the Ijtema venue.

The second phase of the Biswa Ijtema will be held on January 17-19 when the followers of Indian Tabligh Jamaat leader Maulana Saad Kandhalvi will take part.