Dhaka: Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival for Muslims, was celebrated across the country today with religious fervor and festivity. The festival was marked by a spirit of devotion, sacrifice, and submission to the will of the Almighty Allah.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Muslim devotees gathered at Eidgahs and mosques nationwide to offer Eid prayers, where religious scholars and khateebs delivered sermons. These sermons highlighted the significance of Qurbani and the teachings of sacrifice in Islam. After the prayers, devotees exchanged greetings, strengthening bonds of fraternity and harmony.
The main Eid congregation took place at the National Eidgah near the High Court premises in the capital. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman participated alongside hundreds of devotees. They joined a munajat seeking blessings for the Muslim Ummah and the nation. High-profile attendees included the Chief Justice, cabinet members, Dhaka’s south city administrator, Supreme Court judges, parliament members, political leaders, diplomats, and high-ranking officials.
Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, conducted the prayers, followed by a special munajat asking for peace, progress, and prosperity for Bangladesh and the Muslim Ummah. The capital witnessed multiple Eid congregations at Baitul Mukarram Mosque and the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, attended by dignitaries and citizens from various walks of life.
In a video message from Bangabhaban, President Shahabuddin urged citizens to work collectively towards a just and prosperous Bangladesh, reflecting the values of Eid-ul-Azha. He and his spouse later greeted people at Bangabhaban, hosting a reception attended by prominent figures, including cabinet members, the chief election commissioner, armed forces chiefs, and foreign ambassadors.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Bangladeshis, reaffirming India’s commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two nations. Prime Minister Rahman also visited his family graves and those of army officers killed in the BDR carnage, offering prayers.
Celebrations extended to a feast hosted by Bangladesh Army’s 25th East Bengal Regiment, attended by officers and soldiers. Across the nation, Muslims began the ritual of slaughtering sacrificial animals, which will continue over the next two days. Public and private sectors observed an extended holiday, while essential services remained operational. Media organisations announced a five-day holiday, pausing newspaper publications.
To ensure smooth travel during Eid, the government implemented measures, including keeping refueling stations open, and warned against passenger harassment. Special programs aired on television and radio, while special meals were served in hospitals and care centers. Recreational sites saw increased visitors marking the festival.
In Kishoreganj, the 199th Eid-ul-Azha congregation was held at Sholakia Eidgah Maidan with security arrangements in place. Devotees from various regions attended, while another large congregation took place at Gor-e-Shahid Boro Maidan in Dinajpur district, attracting many participants.
In Chattogram, the festival was celebrated with religious fervor and solemnity, featuring 266 congregations, including at Jamiatul Falah Mosque. The tradition of Qurbani commemorates the devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and is closely linked with the holy Hajj, observed in Saudi Arabia yesterday.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha