Millions join prayers at Islamic congregation in Bangladesh

Thousands of Muslims today sought divine blessings for peace and prosperity for the mankind as the first phase of 'Biswa Ijtema' - the world's biggest annual Muslim congregation after Hajj - ended here in Bangladesh.
Indian Islamic scholar Zobairul Hasan led the 20-minute "akheri munajat" or concluding supplication, marking the end of the three-day world congregation on the bank of the River Turag at suburban Tongi.
Braving cold and transport restrictions, devotees of all ages, including women, swarmed the Ijtema (gathering) venue, some 20 kilometers from the capital.
President Abdul Hamid joined the prayers at the scene while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina participated through video- conferencing as several private TV channels broadcast the supplication live.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia, and Jatiya Party chairman and former president H M Ershad were among the participants of the congregation, that drew a number of Muslim devotees from different countries.
Members of different political parties, foreign dignitaries and government high-ups also joined the prayers.
The prayers came after three days of congregation when thousands of Muslims coming from across Bangladesh and several other countries were housed under a huge canopy at the Ijtema ground on a five-square kilometre area on the banks of Turag.