FROM TONGI: More devotees are still thronging Tongi to join the Biswa Ijtema, known as the world’s second-largest congregation of Muslims, on Saturday, the second day of three-day meet.

However, some six pilgrims, including a Yemeni citizen died of old age complications and due to cold weather at Ijtema ground on the bank of Turag River early hours of the second day.

The deceased were identified as   Jiad Ali, 60 of Daulatpur Thana of Kushtia, Abdul Majid, 70, of Sirajganj, Omar Ali, 55, of Keraniganj Thana, Amirul Islam, 55, of Bhola Sadar and Shamsuddin Mia, 50, of Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh.

The foreigner was identified as Ahmed Abdullah Al-Zarun.

Gazipur civil surgeon Dr Shah Alam Sharif confirmed the matter to banglanews.

Their namaz-e-janaza was held in front to main stage of Ijtema after Fajr prayers and later the bodies were handed over to their relatives.
 
Thousands of people from the city and its adjacent areas will join Ijtema on Sunday when the first phase of the meet will be concluded though the Akheri Munajat or final prayer.

Meanwhile, Religion Affairs Minister Principal Matiur Rahman, Freedom Fighter Affairs Minister Advocate AKM Mozammel Haque, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Benzir Ahmed and others high officials visited the Ijtema ground.

Muslims of 32 districts are taking part in the first phase of the large gathering organized by Tablig Jamaat, a non-political religious group.

Around 30,000 foreigners from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, USA, Canada and Italy and many other countries participated in the first phase of the Ijtema.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the Muslims both at home and abroad on the occasion of the Biswa Ijtema.
 
The second phase of the Ijtema will be held from January 31 to February 2.

BDST: 2030 HRS, JAN 25, 2014