Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday joined the Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) of Biswa Ijtema as the first phase of one of the largest Muslim congregations of Muslims ended on the banks of the river Turag at Tongi.

From her official residence Ganobhaban, the Prime Minister took part in the munajat, reports BSS.

Younger daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Sheikh Rehana, Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury, former minister Dr Dipu Moni, lawmaker, and other family members of the Prime Minister joined the prayers.

A special prayer was offered on the occasion seeking continued peace, progress and welfare of the country as well as the greater unity of the Muslim Ummah. Noted Indian Islamic scholar Mawlana Saad led the prayers.

Tens of thousands of devotees from 17 districts attended the first phase, while devotees from the other districts will participate in the second phase slated for 15-17 January.

The Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2011 to ease accommodation and transportation problems.

About 7,000 devotees from over 50 countries, including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Palestine, Tunisia, Bahrain, France, Kuwait, Somalia, Kenya, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Iraq and Iran took part in the first phase of the congregation, organizers said.

The New Delhi-based Tablig-e-Jamaat has been organising the Ijtema since 1967.

The first phase of Biswa Ijtema, which formally started after Fazr prayers on Friday with religious sermons by Islamic scholars and prayers, ended with Akheri Munajat.