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The second phase of the Biswa Ijtema, one of the world's largest Muslim gatherings, is underway on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi.
The three-day congregation, geared towards disciples of Indian cleric Saad Kandhlawi of the Taablighi Jamaat, began on Friday after the Fajr prayer. India’s Maulana Abdus Sattar delivered the Aam Bayan, or general sermon, which was translated into Bengali by Mufti Azim Uddin, bdnews24.com reports.
Md Sayem, media coordinator for the Indian followers of Maulana Saad, said, “Our fellow brothers began arriving at the venue on Wednesday evening. After completing the main arrangements and consultations, the second phase of the Ijtema formally began after the Asr prayer on Thursday with a general sermon.”
“Sermons have been delivered in phases throughout Friday morning and attendees are listening attentively.”
While attendance was relatively low on Thursday morning, the Ijtema grounds were packed by the evening. Many participants arrived carrying heavy bags, searching for their designated spots before settling in. Some took shelter under makeshift tents made of bamboo and jute fabric.
Akbar Hossain from Gazipur's Kapasia travelled to the venue with a group of 34 devotees. “I have been attending the Ijtema for nearly 20 years. This year, the event is taking place in a pleasant atmosphere. The followers of Maulana Saad are especially fortunate because the second night of the Ijtema coincides with Shab-e-Barat. Such an opportunity for worship at the Ijtema grounds is unprecedented,” he said.
A special sermon has been organised in a tin-shed area in the northeastern section of the Ijtema grounds for businessmen, government officials (both current and retired), journalists and intellectuals. Another sermon will be delivered from the main prayer pulpit for university and college students.
Additionally, there will be a separate session for college and university teachers, while a dedicated sermon for hearing-impaired attendees will take place in a tin-shed on the western side of the Ijtema grounds.
Religious teachings were also conducted across the various designated sections in the morning.
The grand Jummah prayer will take place at 1:30 pm, led by Maulana Yusuf bin Saad, the eldest son of Maulana Saad.
Following the prayer, Kakrail's Waseful Islam, a senior leader of the Tablighi Jamaat's Saad faction, will deliver a sermon. Later in the afternoon, after Asr prayer, India’s Hafiz Manzur will speak, with Maulana Ruhul Amin translating into Bengali. After Maghrib prayer, Maulana Jamshed Saheb will deliver a sermon, which will be translated by Maulana Munir bin Yusuf.
On Saturday, a mass wedding ceremony will take place in line with the tradition of conducting marriages without dowry.
The first phase of the Ijtema was held from January 31 to February 5. The second phase will end on February 16 with the Akheri Munajat, or final supplication.