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The Bishwa ijtema is an annual Muslim congregation held at Tongi, Bangladesh by the river Turag. The event began in 1966 and continues to be organized by the Bangladesh Tablighi Jamaat. It last three days and is attended by over four million Muslims, making it the second largest congregation after the Hajj to Mecca. It is concluded with the Akheri Munajat, or final prayer. The tradition of Ijtema was initiated by an Indian savant named Maulana Ilyas and began as a small group of religious-minded individuals gathering at a local mosque. For forty-one years Tongi has been the chosen location, although similar programs are held on a lesser scale in other countries. The Ijtema is non-political, and therefore perhaps it draws people of all persuasion. Prayer is held for the spiritual adulation, exaltation and welfare of the Muslims community. This immensely popular program gives the people of Bangladesh an opportunity to interact with Muslims from other countries and is commonly attended by prominent political figures.