Dhaka: The second phase of Biswa Ijtema, the second largest Muslim congregation after Hajj, will begin on 15 January on the bank of Turag River at Tongi on the outskirts of Dhaka. 

Earlier, on 10 January, the first phase of Biswa Ijtema ended with the offering of Akheri Munajat (concluding prayers) conducted by eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Shad of India.

The first phase of the congregation started formally with religious sermons after Fajar prayers on 8 January.

The second spell of Ijtema is scheduled to end on 17 January on the same venue.

Thousands of devotees from home and abroad started congregating on the Turag bank to take part in the 72-hour religious event since Thursday morning, reports local news agency.

Tight security measures have been taken for the event with several thousand members of different law-enforcement agencies, including RAB and police, will be in place there in Tongi.

Besides, thousands of volunteers are working round the clock to make sure the event runs smoothly.

Several health centres have been set up at different parts of the venue along with beds and almost all first aid and other treatment facilities with doctors doing round-the-clock-duties at each centre.

Special measures were taken for uninterrupted power supply during the three-day Ijtema.

Ijtema is being held in two phases from 2012 to ease accommodation problem.

Bangladesh Railway is operating 28 special trains to carry the devotees of the two-phase Biswa Ijtema. BRTC is operating 228 buses for carrying the devotees to the Ijtema ground.