Sholakia: The 199th congregation of holy Eid-ul-Azha is set to take place at 9am on May 28 at the expansive Sholakia Eidgah Maidan, renowned as the largest and historic Eidgah in the country. The event will be conducted under a five-tier security arrangement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the district administration has completed all necessary preparations to ensure the peaceful and smooth organization of the Eid jamaat, which attracts thousands of devotees from across the country annually. The Khatib of Borabazar Jame Mosque, Mufti Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah, will lead the main congregation. Maulana Zubair Ibne Abdul Hai, a lecturer at Haibatnagar A.U. Kamil Madrasa, will serve as the alternate imam.
A separate Eid congregation for women is also scheduled for 8am at the premises of Suryabala Government Girls’ High School, with Maulana Mohammad Sanaullah leading the prayers and Abdul Qayyum, a religious teacher at Government Boys’ High School, acting as the alternate imam. The details were disclosed during press briefings by Sholakia Eidgah Maidan Management Committee President and Deputy Commissioner Sohana Nasrin, District Police Superintendent Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, and RAB-14 CPC-2 Kishoreganj Camp Squadron Leader Md. Ali Noman. Kishoreganj-1 (Sadar-Hossenpur) MP Md. Mazharul Islam also spoke about the preparations and security measures.
Deputy Commissioner Sohana Nasrin stated that around 600 police personnel, two platoons of BGB members, and 55 RAB members will be deployed in and around the Eidgah ground and the town to ensure security. Four watch towers have been installed, and the area has been divided into eight sectors for effective monitoring. Nine executive magistrates will remain on duty at key points.
A total of 64 CCTV cameras have been installed across the Eidgah premises, with multiple check posts set up throughout the town. Authorities have arranged two special trains for devotees traveling from distant areas. The special train from Bhairab will depart at 6am and arrive in Kishoreganj at 8am, while another from Mymensingh will leave at 5:30am and reach at 8:10am. Both trains will return at noon.
For the convenience of worshippers, 50 temporary ablution facilities, 20 permanent toilets, and 20 urinals have been arranged. Two temporary water vans with a capacity of 2,000 liters each will be installed. Medical services, including ambulances and emergency equipment, will be available on-site. The Deputy Commissioner urged worshippers not to carry anything other than prayer mats into the Eidgah ground, noting that all devotees would be searched at entry points.
District Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mizanur Rahman explained a comprehensive 24-hour security plan has been implemented for the event. A total of 616 members of law enforcement have already been deployed, with 32 check posts, seven archway gates, and 50 metal detectors set up to bolster security.
In addition to CCTV surveillance, drones and video cameras will be used to monitor the area. A bomb disposal unit is on standby, with personnel from RAB, CID, PBI, and the Anti-Terrorism Unit remaining on duty. The police chief requested worshippers not to bring torchlights, matches, or any flammable materials, and to keep mobile phones in silent mode.
RAB-14 CPC-2 Squadron Leader Md. Ali Noman stated that RAB has taken extensive measures to ensure maximum security around the Eidgah ground. Kishoreganj-1 constituency MP Md. Mazharul Islam expressed hope for a peaceful and safe congregation, similar to the previous Eid-ul-Fitr jamaat. Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Mukit Sarkar and other officials were also present during the briefings.