Bangladesh’s Muslim pilgrimage calls for peace, stability

DHAKA - Millions of devotees prayed for global peace, prosperity and unity in Bangladesh as the world’s second-largest Muslim congregation concluded Sunday.

Indian scholar Moulana Jubayerul Hassan led the concluding prayers of the three-day Ijtema congregation on the banks of river Turag in Tongi, about 30 km north of Dhaka.

Organisers estimated more than 3 million devotees attended the mass prayer, which was aired live throughout the country.

International Tabligh Jamaat has been organising the annual event annually since 1976, with prayers, meditation and lectures from Islamic scholars.

Traffic was disrupted for hours on a major highway linking the capital with northern districts. Many schools and businesses were also closed.

President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed and opposition leader Khaleda Zia attended the prayer at different corners of the site.