Bishwa Ijtema means 'world congregation' and is focused on interpreting the true meaning of the Qur'an. It is also well known for being a non-political and peaceful celebration.

Shia Muslims from 150 countries take part in the event, in Dhaka, and around two million participated this year.

There was also a landmark for the festival as - due to the large number of visitors - Bangladeshi participants were asked to visit across four phases for the first time.

Residents from 33 districts attended the first two phases this year while residents of the remaining 32 districts will attend next year.

Due to fears over extremism it is believed 5,000 police officers, 60 CCTV cameras and many undercover officers were deployed to ensure that the celebration remained unblemished by violence.

During the festival attendees camped for three days across a plot of only 160 acres while they prayed and received blessings from Allah.

The opening to Bishwa Ijtema is known as 'Ambayan' or general sermon and proceedings end on the third day with 'Akheri Munajat' which means final prayer.

In 2010 the festival was attended by around five million people who made it the second largest Muslim gathering on the planet.

Muslims from 150 countries attend the festival and this year two million visitors paid their respects, pictured, they leave via the Turag river

Wait: This was the first year Bangladeshi attendees, pictured, were split into two groups and some will not visit the festival until next year

Visitors to Bishwa Ijtema seem more focused on the photographer rather than their safety as they cling onto a train leaving Dhaka

Thousands of people left the celebration among commuter chaos on the last day as trains and boats tried to find a safe exit from the area

Pictured, Bangladeshi Muslims take part in Akheri Munajat - concluding prayers - on the third day of Biswa Ijtema, at Tongi Railway station

Pictured, Bangladeshi Muslims smile and wave as they make their way home from Dhaka after three days of prayer during Biswa Ijtema

Brave: These men seem to have little fear of falling between two trains as they leap from one carriage to another in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Protection: The festival is well known for being peaceful and to make sure it remained so, 5,000 police officers were deployed

Joined in Prayer: Men sit down together as they take part in Akheri Munajat on the final day of Biswa Ijtema outside Tongi Railway station

Biswa Ijtema's opening is known as 'Ambayan' or general sermon, but pictured a man stands in prayer on the final day

Chaos: Swathes of people wait for their transport out of Dhaka as the lucky ones do what they can to squeeze onto a train pulling out

Pictured, a young boy manages to escape the huge crowds and poses for a photo between the carriages of two trains leaving Dhaka

Islam's other largest festivals include the Arbaeen Pilgrimage and the Hajj, which attract 26 million and seven million respectively

Biswa Ijtema is focused on interpreting the true meaning of the Qur'an. Pictured, an elderly man lowers his head in prayer at the festival

Source: dailymail.co.uk