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Millions gather for Dhaka prayers Dhaka pilgrimage draws millions
(1 day later)
Up to three million Muslims have been gathering in Bangladesh for one of the world's biggest group prayer events. Up to three million Muslims have held mass prayers in Bangladesh to end one of the world's biggest pilgrimages.
The Bishwa Ijtema brings devotees from more than 60 countries to a sandy riverbank near the capital, Dhaka.The Bishwa Ijtema brings devotees from more than 60 countries to a sandy riverbank near the capital, Dhaka.
The gathering is said to be the second biggest Islamic congregation after the Mecca pilgrimage.The gathering is said to be the second biggest Islamic congregation after the Mecca pilgrimage.
Participants spend time in prayer, discussing the Koran or listening to sermons. On Sunday the meeting concludes with a mass prayer session. Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed and two former prime ministers - Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina Wajed - joined the final day of prayers.
Participants spend the three-day ceremony in prayer, discussing the Koran or listening to sermons.
The BBC's John Sudworth in Dhaka says the tented city on the banks of the River Turag has been packed with people from all corners of the world.
Tight securityTight security
For three days this tented city on the banks of the River Turag near Dhaka is packed with people from all corners of the world. Many devotees left the capital to attend the prayers on Sunday - a normal working day - with additional buses and trains laid on to the site.
Spend a few hours among the crowds here and your ears tune to the roar of the gas stoves from thousands of temporary kitchens manned entirely by devotees themselves. Security has been tight with more than 10,000 police and troops on patrol.
For Sunday's mass prayer, every available inch of open ground, rooftop or road will be filled with worshippers.
This year security is tight with more than 10,000 police and troops on patrol.
Officials say there is no specific threat but Bangladesh, a majority Muslim but secular country, has a recent history of bombings by extremist groups advocating strict Islamic rule.Officials say there is no specific threat but Bangladesh, a majority Muslim but secular country, has a recent history of bombings by extremist groups advocating strict Islamic rule.
The final prayer is followed by a mass exodus as many devotees begin the two-hour walk back to Dhaka.