Sholakia ground in Kishoreganj saw an extraordinary gathering of approximately 6 lakh worshippers for the 198th Eid-ul-Fitr prayer on Monday, making it one of the largest congregations in recent memory.
The prayer ceremony, which began at 10:00 AM, was led by Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Saifullah.
The President of the Sholakia Eidgah Management Committee confirmed the record turnout, noting that about 600,000 devotees participated in the prayers.
Following the prayer, special prayers were offered for the martyrs of significant historical events, including the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, and the 2024 People’s Uprising, as well as for the martyrs of Gaza and the oppressed Muslim Ummah globally.
Favorable weather conditions contributed to the large crowd, which stretched several kilometers around the Sholakia field. In line with tradition, three gunshots were fired to signal the start of the ceremony.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Kishoreganj’s Additional District Commissioner Mejazabe Rahmat, Superintendent of Police Hasan Chowdhury, and numerous political and administrative officials. The gathering was described by both the Sholakia Eidgah Management Committee and the Kishoreganj District Administration as the largest Eid congregation in recent memory.
In response to the massive turnout, an extensive five-tier security system was implemented, with personnel from the BGB, RAB, police, and Ansar forces deployed across the area. Worshippers underwent security checks with metal detectors before entering the grounds. For the first time, the army was tasked with overseeing security at the event.
The arrival of devotees began early in the morning, with traffic in surrounding areas halted for hours to accommodate the influx. To assist worshippers traveling from distant areas, two special trains, the ‘Sholakia Special,’ were arranged. One train departed from Mymensingh at 5:45 AM, while another left Bhairab at 6:00 AM, both bringing thousands of worshippers to the Sholakia grounds.
The Sholakia Eidgah, established in 1828 by Dewan Haybat Khan Bahadur, spans approximately seven acres and is located along the Norosunda River. The field, which hosts 265 rows for worshippers, is deeply rooted in local history, with a tradition of large Eid gatherings dating back to its founding.
