Millions of Muslims from 150 countries join together in prayers on the final day of Bishwa Ijtema festival in Bangladesh
Bishwa
Ijtema means 'world congregation' and is focused on interpreting the
true meaning of the Qur'an. It is also well known for being a
non-political and peaceful celebration.
Shia Muslims from 150 countries take part in the event, in Dhaka, and around two million participated this year.
There
was also a landmark for the festival as - due to the large number of
visitors - Bangladeshi participants were asked to visit across four
phases for the first time.
Residents
from 33 districts attended the first two phases this year while
residents of the remaining 32 districts will attend next year.
Due to fears over extremism it
is believed 5,000 police officers, 60 CCTV cameras and many undercover
officers were deployed to ensure that the celebration remained
unblemished by violence.
During
the festival attendees camped for three days across a plot of only 160
acres while they prayed and received blessings from Allah.
The
opening to Bishwa Ijtema is known as 'Ambayan' or general sermon and
proceedings end on the third day with 'Akheri Munajat' which means final
prayer.
In 2010 the festival was attended by around five million people which made it the second largest Muslim gathering on the planet
Visitors to Bishwa Ijtema seem more focused on the photographer rather
than their safety as they cling onto a train leaving Dhaka
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