The holy Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in the country on Friday as the Shawal moon was sighted today (Thursday).
The national moon sighting committee took the decision at a meeting at the Islamic Foundation this evening after review of information of the Shawal moon sighting.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shahjahan Mia presided over the meeting, which was attended, among others, Religious Affairs Secretary Kazi Habibul Awal, Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Prof Maulana Mohammad Salahuddin and DG of the Islamic Foundation Shamim Mohammad Afzal.
After the meeting, the junior minister told reporters that the Shawal moon was sighted in Lakxmipur, Bhola and Kishoreganj districts.
Meanwhile, all preparations for holding the Eid congregations and celebrations have been completed all over the country, including capital Dhaka and Sholakia in Kishoreganj.
The largest Eid congregation will be held at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj district. Lakhs of Muslims will offer prayers there seeking divine blessings, peace and progress for the country.
In the capital, the main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah near the High Court at 8:30am. Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Prof Maulana M Salahuddin will lead the prayer. President Abdul Hamid is expected to offer the Eid prayers at the National Eidgah.
In the case of inclement weather, the main congregation will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9am, according to an official announcement.
Besides, five congregations will be held at 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am and 11am at the National Mosque.
Like the previous year, arrangements have been made at the National Eidgah and the National Mosque so that women can take part in the Eid prayers alongside their male counterparts.
The devotees intended to take part in Eid congregations at the National Eidgah have requested not to bring camera, mobile and vanity bag with them.
Eid congregations will be held in all Maidans, including Armanitola, Dhopkhola, and most of the mosques in the city and elsewhere.
The national flag will be hoisted atop government and non-government office buildings on the day. The main city streets and road islands will be decorated with the national flags and banners inscribed with ‘Eid Mubarak’ in Bangla and Arabic.
Special diet will be served in hospitals, jails, government child families, Chotomoni Nibash, centres for persons with disabilities, shelter homes, orphanages, Vagrant Welfare and Destitute Welfare centres.
Eid, marking the completion of a month-long abstinence through daytime fasting, will also be celebrated in Bangladesh missions abroad.
Discussion, seminar, friendly football matches, cultural programmes, Eid reunion of children, and essay writing competition will also feature the occasion.
President Abul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia issued separate messages greeting the people on the very auspicious occasion.
In his message, the President said after a month-long siam practice Eid-ul-Fitr brings messages of pure joy and pleasure for the mankind. “Eid builds ties of harmony, amity and unity among people of all classes and professions.”
He hoped the teachings of Eid-ul-Fitr will inspire all in building a good and prosperous society.
In another message, the Prime Minister said Eid teaches us about peace, sympathy and brotherhood. She called upon all for reflecting the teachings of Eid in all spheres of our personal, social and national life.
The premier hoped that Eid will bring the message of joy for all irrespective of their economic status. Hasina also prayed for continued development, progress and peace of Bangladesh as well as the Muslim Ummah.
In a separate message, opposition leader Khaleda Zia prayed for happiness, peace, development and progress of the Muslim Ummah, including Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, tight security measures have been taken to ensure safe holding of Eid congregations throughout the country, including capital Dhaka.
Source: UNBConnect