Dhaka: The holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi, marking both the birth and demise anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), was observed across the country today with religious solemnity and state honour. On this significant day, which falls on the 12th of Rabiul Awal in 570 Hijri, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca, and he also passed away on the same day in 632 Hijri.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government declared a general holiday to commemorate the occasion. Special prayers, discussions, and cultural programmes emphasizing the life and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) were organized at mosques, Islamic institutions, and various organizations nationwide. Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims worldwide, urging for peace, unity, and devotion to the Prophet’s ideals.
Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar broadcasted special programmes, while national dailies published supplements highlighting the day’s significance. The Islamic Foundation led nationwide observances, including Quran recitations, Hamd-Na’at, poetry sessions, seminars, and competitions. A four-day seminar on the life and works of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was arranged at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, and a month-long Islamic Book Fair is set to begin next week with participation from local and international publishers.
The book fair will take place in the eastern and southern courtyards of the National Mosque, featuring around 200 stalls. Publishers from Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Lebanon will participate, with the fair running daily from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm. The Islamic Foundation has been tasked with organizing various religious and cultural events, including Qiraat, Hamd-Na’at, poetry recitations, and a Khutba writing competition in Arabic.
Under the initiative of the Islamic Foundation, a range of programmes have been scheduled nationwide, particularly at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. In collaboration with Bangladesh Betar, a four-day seminar on the life and works of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is being held at the Baitul Mukarram Auditorium. A Seerat memorial featuring writings by prominent scholars, Islamic writers, poets, and researchers was published to mark the occasion.
An Islamic Cultural Competition has been organized for students from schools, colleges, Aliya and Qawmi Madrasas, and government and private universities in Dhaka. Students will compete in seven subjects across three groups at the Islamic Foundation Agargaon office on September 15-16, with an award ceremony scheduled for September 18. Special sessions of Qiraat Mahfil, Hamd-Na’at, and poetry recitations in honor of the Prophet (PBUH) will be held on September 11 and 17 after Maghrib prayers, and on September 18 after Asr prayers. The Islamic Foundation will also publish commemorative souvenirs and organize seminars during this period.
Similar programmes, including ‘Waz Mahfil’ and Islamic cultural competitions, will be conducted at all divisional and district offices of the Islamic Foundation, 56 Islamic missions, and eight Imam Training Academies across the country. For children, the Bangladesh Shishu Academy will organize Hamd-Na’at performances, essay competitions, and discussion sessions. Improved diets were provided in military and civilian hospitals, prisons, Shishu Sadan, old-age homes, and orphanages nationwide.
The day was observed with reverence at Bangladesh’s embassies and missions abroad, ensuring a global commemoration. Special food was distributed in hospitals, prisons, orphanages, and shelter homes, while Bangladesh Shishu Academy arranged programmes for children. The government implemented extensive security measures to ensure a peaceful observance of the day, with law enforcement agencies maintaining strict vigilance, especially at large gatherings in major cities including Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, and Rajshahi.