January 26, 2008	Saturday	Muharram 16, 1429

DHAKA, Jan 25: Hundreds of thousands Muslims from around the world converged on Bangladesh on Friday for the annual Bishwa Ijtema (world congregation), as police and troops tightened security against possible militant attacks.

Defying the cold and rain, devotees arrived on a bank of the Turag river at Tongi, a northern suburb of the capital, Dhaka, to discuss Islamic teachings at the three-day festival.

Swathed in thick woollen shawls and headscarfs, they braved the bitter winter chill to attend an event that is expected to draw more than two million Muslims, including believers from the Middle East, South Asia, the United States, Russia and Europe.

Islamic scholars lectured on various aspects of Islamic law and life, their words being simultaneously translated in several languages including English, Arabic, Urdu and Bangla.

The devotees travelled in overcrowded buses, trains and boats. many also walked for miles to reach the Ijtema venue, where authorities set up tents, toilets and drinking water facilities.

Several health centres were also operating to treat the elderly and sick.

Security was visibly tight, with troops, police and members of the country’s elite rapid response force stationed around the river bank.

Three years after Islamist militants set off bomb blasts that killed 30 people and wounded at least 150, Bangladesh still faces security threats from the outlawed groups.

The Bishwa Ijtema has been held at the same site since 1966, and is organised by World Tablig Council, which preaches teachings of Islam and Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him).—Reuters