The first phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema commenced on Thursday (30 January) after Maghrib prayers with the traditional Aam Bayan (general sermon).
A worshipper, Abdul Quddus Gazi (60), passed away due to illness on Friday (31 January) at the religious congregation.
Abdul Quddus was the son of Lokman Hossain Gazi from Dumuria Bazar area in Khulna district, confirmed Habibullah Raihan, the media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat’s Shura Nezam.
"So far, 2,150 foreign delegates from 72 countries have arrived at the Ijtema grounds, where they are stationed in designated sections, listening to discourses by esteemed Islamic scholars from around the world," said Habibullah Raihan, the media coordinator of the Shura-e-Nizam, on Friday (31 January).
"And this number is expected to increase further," he stated.
The day's proceedings commenced with a pre-dawn sermon by Maulana Ziaul Haq of Pakistan, followed by a Talim-e-Amal (practical religious teaching) session at 9:45am across various sections. Prior to this session, Maulana Jamal from India conducted a Muzakara (discussion).
Other notable sermons include an address by Maulana Farahim from the mimbar (pulpit) of scholars, a discourse by Aligarh professor Abdul Mannan at the students' mimbar, and a special sermon for distinguished attendees at the tin shed mosque, delivered by Maulana Akbar Sharif of India.
This year’s Bishwa Ijtema is being conducted in three phases.
The first phase, organised under the Shura-e-Nizam, will conclude with the Akheri Munajat (final supplication) on 2 February. The second phase will commence on 3 February and culminate on 5 February with another Akheri Munajat.
Following an eight-day interval, the Saad followers will host the third and final phase from 14 February, concluding on 16 February with the final supplication for 2025’s congregation.
The Ijtema grounds will be formally handed over to the administration after Maghrib prayers on 18 February.
The Bishwa Ijtema, one of the largest global Islamic gatherings, continues to draw thousands of devotees from across the world, fostering spiritual unity and religious discourse.