Bangladesh to hold world's second largest Muslim congregation 'Bishwa Ijtema' in January next year

Bangladesh will hold the first phase of Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslim community after Hajj, from January 10 to 12 next year in Dhaka. The second phase of the Ijtema will be held from January 17 to 19.

This was announced on Monday by the State Minister for Religious Affairs Sheikh Md Abdullah.

The decision was taken in the preparatory meeting held under the chairmanship of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in Dhaka



yesterday.

Bishwa Ijtema is an annual event which is held in a 160 acre field on the bank of the Turag river at Tongi on the outskirts of Dhaka since 1967.

Bishwa Ijtema means world congregation and it draws in Muslims from about 150 countries. In 2010, 5 million people were estimated to take part in the Bishwa Ijtema. It is a gathering that focuses on prayer and meditation and is not open for political discussions.