Dhaka, Feb. 14 -- The second phase of the Biswa Ijtema, one of the world's largest Muslim gatherings, is underway on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi.

The three-day congregation, geared towards disciples of Indian cleric Saad Kandhlawi of the Taablighi Jamaat, began on Friday after the Fajr prayer. India's Maulana Abdus Sattar delivered the Aam Bayan, or general sermon, which was translated into Bengali by Mufti Azim Uddin, bdnews24.com reports.

Md Sayem, media coordinator for the Indian followers of Maulana Saad, said, "Our fellow brothers began arriving at the venue on Wednesday evening. After completing the main arrangements and consultations, the second phase of the Ijtema formally began after the Asr prayer on Thursday with a ...