DHAKA Nearly two million Muslims from around the world prayed on Monday for global peace and harmony at the end of a grand Islamic congregation on the bank of the Turag River near Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka.

Religious scholars and devotees from about 75 countries joined the Biswa Ijtema, the biggest Muslim gathering after annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Organizers said the scholars delivered religious sermons explaining the greatness of Islam, how it shunned violence and promoted peace.

They urged the Muslims to follow the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad and renounce violence in all forms.

Muslims from Saudi Arabia, the United States, Russia, Pakistan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kuwait, India and South Africa participated at the annual ritual.

Bangladesh President A.Q.M. Badruddoza Chowdhury, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and opposition leader Sheikh Hasina attended the prayer.