Muslims from around the world have gathered in Bangladesh for an Islamic conference, considered the second-largest after the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Officials say Muslims from more than 70 countries are attending the three-day Biswa Ijtema gathering, which began Friday in the Bangladeshi town of Tongi - near the capital, Dhaka.
Organizers say Bangladeshi leaders, including Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and main opposition leader Sheikh Hasina Wajed were likely to join the conference, which opened with prayers.
Officials say security is tight around Tongi, where more than 1,000 police have been deployed.