Dhaka: Preparations for holding the main congregation of Eid-ul-Azha at the National Eidgah ground on the Supreme Court premises in the capital are progressing fast as the construction workers are working day and night to make the ground ready just a day before the Eid to be celebrated on May 28.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, construction workers were found busy making overall arrangements across the ground, including setting canopies, pandals, gates, ablution areas, electricity connections, and security systems, for the main Eid congregation. An official overseeing the work stated that approximately 80% of the preparation work has already been completed, with the remaining tasks in their final stages. It is expected that all preparations will be finished just a day before Eid.
A Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) source mentioned that, like previous years, work is underway under the corporation's supervision since May 1. The construction firm PR Enterprise has been tasked with constructing the pandal at the National Eidgah, with separate arrangements being made for women. Security measures are being strengthened on the ground and surrounding areas ahead of Eid.
As per the schedule, some tasks must be completed the day before Eid. Plans are in place to finish all remaining work by May 26. Currently, work is ongoing on installing tarpaulins and canopies, setting up lights and fans, some ablution area work, control room, VIP toilets, and entry and exit gates. Ground filling and grass cutting have already been completed, and painting of gates and other structures is in its final stage, expected to be completed in two or three days.
The Department of Mass Communication is handling the sound system for the entire Eidgah area, with generators kept for use in case of power outages. DSCC sources stated that drainage systems are in place in case of rain. Additionally, special fogging and larviciding operations will be conducted starting 72 hours before the Eid congregation. Water supply will be ensured by Dhaka WASA, and to avoid traffic congestion, barricades will be placed at designated areas.
Traffic arrangements will be communicated to the public in advance through media briefings. VIP vehicles will enter through designated gates and park on the Supreme Court premises. Md. Mozammel of PR Enterprise reported that 120 people are currently working, with the structural work complete. The second phase of work involving fabric, electrical wiring, and waterproofing is ongoing, with about 80% of the work done.
DSCC officials informed that the total area of the National Eidgah ground is approximately 30,000 square meters, and the pandal area is about 25,400 square meters. About 35,000 worshipers will be able to pray together in the main congregation this time. Separate exits are designated for VIP men and women, as well as general worshipers. A total of 4 gates have been designated for entry, and 7 gates will be available for exit.
There will be a total of 121 rows (saffs) at this year's Eidgah. Among these, 5 rows are for designated VIP men and 1 for VIP women. There will be 65 large rows for regular men and 50 small rows for women. Approximately 140 people can perform ablution simultaneously at the ablution area.
Visiting the site on Wednesday, workers were seen busy with various tasks related to the Eidgah ground preparations. Worker Liton Ghazi informed that the preparation work is being completed in phases, with 60-65 workers focusing on decoration, and about 80% of the work now complete.
DSCC's Chief Social Welfare and Slum Development Officer, Mohammad Mobashwer Hasan, stated that comprehensive preparations have been made ahead of the main Eid-ul-Azha congregation. From canopies and rain-proofing measures to an improved drainage system, electricity, security, CCTV surveillance, public address systems, VVIP management, and separate facilities for men and women-all infrastructure is being ensured. Work is progressing rapidly in coordination with various ministries and agencies to ensure the Eid congregation can be held properly.