The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious festivals of Muslims, celebrated today across Bangladesh amid due solemnity, fervor and gaiety as the holy month of Ramadan came to an end.
The very auspicious occasion began with the sighting of the Shawwal moon last night and reached the climax this morning amid offering the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers by millions from all strata of life at mosques, Eidgahs and makeshift prayer venues in the capital and elsewhere across the country.
During munajats after Eid congregations (Jamaats), the Muslims also prayed for divine blessings to help strengthen national unity against all odds and destructive activities, including terrorism and militancy.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset during the holy Ramadan.
On the Eid day morning, Muslims gather at mosques and prayer venues to perform Eid prayers and greet each other. The festival is celebrated by visiting friends and relatives, hosting food parties and sharing sweets. Children not only get new clothes and shoes, but also receive cash gifts called “Salami” from their elders, relatives and well-wishers.
President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the countrymen as well as the Muslims across the world on occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.
The country’s main Eid Jamaat (congregation) in the capital was held at the National Eidgah on Bangladesh Supreme Court premises at 8.30 a.m. President Hamid offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers along with hundreds of people from all walks of life at the National Eidgah.
Chief judge, cabinet members, judges of the Supreme Court, members of parliament, senior political leaders and high civil and military officials also offered prayers at the main Eid congregation. Senior Pesh Imam of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram Hafez Maulna Muhammad Mizanur Rahman conducted the main Eid Jamaat, local media reported.
The biggest Eid congregation of the country on Sholakia Eidgah Maidan in Kishoreganj was held at 10.25 a.m.
In Dhaka, five Eid congregations were held at the Baitul Muqarram National Mosque at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10.45 a.m.
A total of 568 Eid congregations was held in the capital under two city corporations. Of those, 298 Eid congregations was held under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and the rest 270 Eid congregations under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).
Two Eid congregations were held at the Dhaka University central mosque - Masjidul Jamia. The first congregation was held at 8 a.m. and the second one at 9 a.m. The Eid congregation was also held at 8 a.m. at the south plaza of the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban.
The chief whip and whips of the Jatiyo Sangsad, members of the cabinet, lawmakers and employees of the parliament secretariat took part in the Eid congregation along with the local people.
Intensified security measures have been taken marking the Eid across the country. The government has chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.
The national flag has been hoisted at government, semi-government, autonomous and non-government offices and other important establishments. Important traffic islands and light posts in Dhaka city have also been decorated with miniature national flags and flags inscribed with “Eid Mubarak”. Besides, designated government offices and other establishments have been illuminated marking the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and all private television channels are airing special programmes highlighting significant of the event.
Improved diets are being served in hospitals, jails, orphanages, safe homes, drug addicts’ treatment centres and other shelter houses all over the country on the day.
City corporations have kept open the children parks, allowing free entry of all visitors.
The day is also being celebrated in Bangladesh missions abroad amid festivity.
