The Biswa Ijtema, the world's second largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, will be held in two phases on January 13-15 and January 20-22 next year.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal made the remarks after meeting with two Tabligh groups at his ministry conference room today.

He said that the two-phase congregation will take place from January 13-15 and January 20-22 respectively next year on the bank of the Turag River outskirts of the capital Dhaka.

The minister said that fruitful discussion was held with two Tabligh groups - Jubair and Wasek--, adding, "Jubair group will join the first phase of the congregation."