The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated in the country on Saturday if the moon of Shawwal month is sighted in Bangladesh sky on Friday.

The decision will be taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee on Friday evening after reviewing the information of the Shawwal moon sighting.

As per the committee’s decision, the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated either on Saturday or Sunday amid religious fervour and enthusiasm after a month-long fasting.

Meanwhile, responding to the pull of roots, thousands of people have already left the capital to celebrate the very auspicious occasion with their near and dear ones at village homes. Many more are expected to set out for home on Friday.

Besides, all preparations have been completed across the country, including the capital Dhaka and Sholakia in Kishoreganj, for smooth holding of eid congregations.

The largest eid congregation will be held at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj district at 10am when lakhs of Muslims will offer prayers seeking divine blessings, peace and progress for the country.

In the capital, the main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah near the High Court at 8:30am. President Abdul Hamid will join the eid jamaat.

However, the venue of the main jamaat will be shifted to the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in case of any inclement weather.

Besides, five congregations will be held at 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am and 11am at the National Mosque.

Arrangements will be there at the National Eidgah and the National Mosque for women to take part in the eid prayers alongside their male counterparts.

Eid congregations will also be held in eidgahs, mosques and open spaces across the country.

The national flag will be hoisted atop government and non-government office buildings on the day. The main city streets and road islands will be decorated with the national flag and banners inscribed with ‘Eid Mubarak’ in both Bangla and Arabic.

National dailies will bring out supplements on the occasion, while television channels and radio stations will telecast special
programmes.

Special diet will be served in hospitals, jails, government children’s families, Chotomoni Nibash, centres for persons with disabilities, shelter homes, orphanages, Vagrant Welfare and Destitute Welfare centres.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages greeting the people on the occasion.

In his message, the President said after a month-long siam practice, Eid-ul-Fitr brings messages of pure joy and pleasure for the mankind. “Eid builds the ties of harmony, amity and unity among people of all classes and professions.”

He hoped that the teachings of Eid-ul-Fitr will inspire all in, building a good and prosperous society.

The Prime Minister, in her message, said, “Eid teaches us about peace, sympathy and brotherhood.”

She called upon all for reflecting the teachings of eid in all spheres of personal, social and national life.

Hasina expressed the hope that the eid will bring the message of joy for all, irrespective of their economic status.

In a separate message, Khaleda Zia prayed for happiness, peace, development and progress of the Muslim Ummah, including Bangladesh.

President Abdul Hamid will arrange a reception at Bangabhaban at 10am on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

UNB/RI