The first phase of Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims, ended today through "Akheri Munajat" (final prayers) for the welfare of the country and the world.

The final prayer was conducted by Maulana Zubair, top spiritual leader of Shura-e-Nezami, Bangladesh.

Maulana Kefayet Ullah, the top spiritual leader of Shura-e-Nezami, said that the prayer began at 9:00am and ended around 9:35am.

Photo: Amran Hossain/Star

Thousands of devotees sought mercy from Almighty Allah by raising their hands for divine forgiveness, blessings for peace and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah. They also prayed for the country's welfare.

Devotees thronged the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway since early morning on the occasion of the final prayer.

The distance from Bhogra bypass to the Ijtema ground is 10 kilometres. Devotees were seen walking the entire way to participate in the final prayer.