Dhaka: The country’s main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation is scheduled to take place at the National Eidgah at 8:30 am on the Eid day, with five separate congregations slated for Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Subject to moon sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr is anticipated to be celebrated in Bangladesh on March 20 or 21.
According to United News of Bangladesh, extensive preparations, including cleaning, erection of pandals, and enhanced security measures, have been completed at the National Eidgah grounds in anticipation of the main Eid congregation. Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, will lead the prayers, with Dr. Maulana Md. Abu Saleh Patwary, Mufassir of Islamic Foundation, serving as the alternate imam, as stated in a press release by the Islamic Foundation.
At Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the congregations will take place in succession at 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 10:45 am. Senior pesh imam Maulana Mizanur Rahman will lead the first prayer, followed by pesh imam Mufti Muhibbullahil Baqi Nadvi, Islamic Foundation deputy director Maulana Md. Zakir Hossain, Imam Training Academy religious trainer Maulana Zobayer Ahmed Al-Azhari, and Islamic Foundation Mufti Maulana Mohammad Abdullah for the subsequent prayers. Maulana Shahidul Islam, assistant librarian of the Islamic Foundation, will serve as the alternate imam.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to join the main Eid prayers at the National Eidgah. The Eidgah ground, spanning approximately 25,400 square metres, can accommodate around 35,000 devotees. Separate entry points and prayer arrangements have been made for women. Additionally, facilities such as fans, lighting, and air-conditioning have been arranged to ensure a comfortable environment for the attendees. In case of adverse weather conditions, the main Eid congregation will shift to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9 am.
Furthermore, an Eid congregation is scheduled at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 8 am, with participation expected from Members of Parliament, officials, employees of the Parliament Secretariat, and local Muslim devotees. Separate arrangements have been made for women to offer prayers this year.
The central Eid congregation of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will be held at 8:00 am at the old Trade Fair ground adjacent to the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Center in Agargaon. This schedule was finalized at a preparatory meeting presided over by DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan. Drinking water will be available at entry points and inside the Eidgah to accommodate the attendees.