Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said on Saturday that the traditional Eid procession in the capital has helped overcome the sense of boredom often experienced by residents during Eid-ul-Fitr.
Speaking to reporters after the event, he noted that many people previously spent Eid at home with little to do, but the revival of the procession"drawing inspiration from Mughal-era traditions"has added a unique festive atmosphere.
He added that such processions will continue to be organised every Eid-ul-Fitr and will also serve as a platform to highlight public aspirations and broader issues affecting Bangladesh and the Muslim world.
A colourful “Eid Ananda Michhil” was held in the capital under Asif’s leadership. The procession began around 10am following the main Eid congregation at the National Eidgah ground.
Starting from the High Court premises, it moved through Central Shaheed Minar and the Shahbagh intersection before concluding in front of Hotel InterContinental.
People from all walks of life, including men, women and children, joined the procession. Participants chanted slogans such as “Eid Mubarak,” “Free Palestine,” and calls for justice on various national concerns.
Leaders of the NCP, along with current and former activists of the anti-discrimination student movement, also took part.
The procession featured bands, horses, horse-drawn carriages, elephants, decorated vehicles, royal umbrellas, performers in festive attire, and placards carrying different messages.
The procession was part of a three-day Eid festival organised as a citizens’ initiative. The celebrations began on Friday at Rabindra Sarobar with a daylong mehendi festival, followed by an evening cultural programme where Asif performed songs.
Organisers said the initiative aims to revive Dhaka’s historic civic traditions and festive culture, recalling that Eid had long been an occasion for social gatherings, cultural expression, and shared joy in the city.
The festival will conclude on Sunday with a kite-flying event at Suhrawardy Udyan, where people of all ages are expected to take part in the celebrations.
SH
