Bangladesh government on Monday (Jul 27) issued directives asking people to offer Eid prayer at their nearest mosques instead of Eidgah and open spaces, maintaining recommended health guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Religious Affairs Ministry issued some directives in this regard, local media reported.
The ministry suggested disinfecting mosques before the Eid prayer and not rolling out carpets on the floors.
The devotees have been asked to bring prayer mats from home. Besides, arrangements should be made at the entrances of the mosques for washing hands, it said. The devotees must wear masks inside mosques and avoid using prayer mats and caps that were stored earlier there.
Children, elderly people, people with physical ailment, and those involved in taking care of the sick will not be allowed to attend the Eid Jamat.
Besides, the devotees were requested to shun handshaking and hugging after the prayer which has been a common practice during Eid throughout the world.
The ministry urged Imams and managing committees of mosques to ensure proper implementation of the directives.
The authorities concerned should follow the directives of the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry while sacrificing animals. Local administrations, law enforcement agencies, public representatives, staffers of the Islamic Foundation and managing committees of mosques will implement the directives.
This year, the main congregation of Eid-ul-Azha will be held at the Baitul Mukarram national mosque instead of the National Eidgah following hygiene rules considering the corona infection situation.
