Devotees are flocking to the banks of the Turag River in Tongi to participate in the ‘Akheri Munajat’ (final prayer) of the second phase of the Bishwa Ijtema.
Maulana Mohammad Zubair is set to lead the concluding prayer at 12:00 PM, as confirmed by the Ijtema organizing committee.
The day’s proceedings began with a sermon after the Fajr prayers by Farooq Sahib, a senior Tabligh leader from Bangalore, India. The sermon was translated by Mufti Amanul Haque Sahib. At around 10:00 AM, another sermon was delivered by Maulana Abdur Rahman Sahib of India, with translation provided by Maulana Abdul Matin Sahib from Bangladesh.
The first phase of the six-day Ijtema concluded on February 2, while the second phase began on February 3. The third phase, catering to followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, is scheduled to be held from February 14-16.
A recent notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs imposed restrictions on the Saad faction, stating they would not be allowed to organize or participate in Ijtema or any Tabligh activities at the Tongi ground next year.
This announcement has raised concerns among Saad followers about the venue for next year’s Ijtema. Maulana Abu Sayem, coordinator of the Saad followers’ media team, told *The Daily Star* they received the notification unexpectedly and have no further comment at this time. They plan to complete this year’s Ijtema before discussing the matter with the government.
Meanwhile, two more devotees passed away at the Ijtema grounds earlier today, bringing the total death toll to nine across both phases of the event. The deceased have been identified as Sujabat Ali Sarkar, 75, and Md Shamsul Alam, 60.
Despite the massive turnout, traffic on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway remained unaffected, with conditions remaining normal as of 9:45 AM.
