Echoes of ‘Ameen’ resonate along Turag river as 2nd phase of Ijtema concludes

The first phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema, organised by Tabligh Jamaat's Shura-e-Nizam, concluded today (5 February) with Akheri Munajat, seeking peace, prosperity, and unity for the Muslim Ummah. 

The prayer was led by Maulana Zubayer Ahmed, imam and khatib of Kakrail Jame Mosque, from a stage on the eastern side of the foreign pilgrims' tent.

The Munajat began at 12:09pm and lasted 18 minutes, drawing millions of devotees from Bangladesh and over 50 other countries. 

Cries of "Ameen" echoed across the Turag riverbank, as devotees prayed for forgiveness, lessings, and spiritual guidance. The congregation transcended social and economic divides, with people from all walks of life raising their hands together.

Habibullah Rayhan, media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat's Shura-e-Nizam faction, said the day's activities began with sermons after Fajr prayers, delivered by Maulana Farooq from Bangalore and translated into Bangla by Mufti Amanul Haque. Additional sermons were given by Maulana Abdur Rahman of India, with translation by Maulana Abdul Matin of Bangladesh.

"After the guidance sermon, Maulana Ibrahim Deola from India delivered an advisory speech, which was translated into Benga by Maulana Zubayer Ahmed Upon completing the translation, Maulana Zubayer immediately began the Akheri Munajat," he added. 

As the Akheri Munajat was broadcast live on various television channels and social media platforms, many people from distant areas both at home and abroad were able to participate as well.

After the Akheri Munajat, Maulana Zubayer Ahmed announced the dates for next year's Bishwa Ijtema. 

He said that under the supervision of the Shura-e Council and scholars, the 59th Bishwa Ijtema of 2026 will be held in two phases. The first phase will take place on 2-4 January 2026, and the second phase on 9-11 January 2026, at the Ijtema grounds in Tongi.

Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin praised the peaceful conclusion of the first phase, citing effective coordination among government agencies. 

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan also praised the robust security measures in place, ensuring smooth transportation despite the massive crowd movement.

After an eight-day break, the third phase of the Ijtema will commence on 14 February, with followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi participating. This three-day event will conclude with Akheri Munajat on 16 February.

Tensions remain between the two factions following a deadly clash on 18 December that resulted in four deaths.