The second phase of Bishwa Ijtema, the world’s second-largest Muslim congregation after Hajj, began early Monday on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital.

The Ijtema commenced with Aam Bayan (general sermons) after Fajr prayers and will conclude with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on February 5.

Devotees for the second phase have already started arriving at the venue. Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh’s Shura-e-Nizam, confirmed the development.

He stated that the ground is now fully prepared for the second-phase attendees, with devotees from 22 districts, including parts of Dhaka, set to participate.

Earlier on Sunday, after the Akheri Munajat of the first phase, Tabligh volunteers and more than 300 sanitation workers from Gazipur City Corporation began cleaning the venue. The cleaning work was completed before Maghrib prayers on the same day.

Sources said approximately 3,050 foreign nationals from 76 countries are already present at the venue. They will return to their home countries after the second phase concludes on February 5.

To prevent any inconvenience for foreign attendees, the police have arranged a General Diary (GD) registration system at the Foreign Tent. Gazipur Metropolitan Police confirmed that security measures for the second phase will mirror those of the first phase.