The first phase of Biswa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, began on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi here after Fajar prayers on Friday.
The ijtema began with ‘a’m bayan’ (general sermons) by Jordanian Islamic scholar Maulana Sheikh Umar.
Thousands of Muslim devotees from 16 districts of the country have already thronged the venue to take part in the religious congregation. Devotees from 135 countries will also participate in the Ijtema.
The first phase of 53rd Biswa Ijtema will end on Sunday with the Akheri Munajat.
Police have taken a five-tier security measure for the Biswa Ijtema to ensure overall security.
Around 50 CCTVs have been installed there to monitor the Ijtema ground and the adjoining areas, news agency UNB reported citing police officials.
Besides, special measures have been taken to ease the traffic system which will come into effect from the first days of the two phases of the congregation.
Bangladesh Railway (BR) has made arrangements to operate special trains on different routes of the country to facilitate the movement of Muslim devotees of the Biswa Ijtema.
Earlier, there had been a hiccup over the joining of Indian scholar Maulana Saad Kandhalvi in the first phase of the Biswa Ijtema.
The second phase of Ijtema will be held from January 19 to 21.