The holy Eid-ul-Azha, one of the biggest religious festivals of Muslims, is being celebrated in Bangladesh with due solemnity and religious fervour.
Eid-ul-Azha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the 10th day of Zilhajj, the last month of the Hijri calendar, commemorating the event that took place around 4,500 years ago when Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) offered to sacrifice his beloved son, Hazrat Ismail (AS), who willingly submitted to his father’s will in devotion to Allah.
But the Almighty, in His benign mercy, spared Hazrat Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed.
To commemorate this historic event, Muslims across the country are offering prayers in congregations and sacrificing animals in the name of the Almighty.
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in separate messages, have greeted the countrymen.
The main Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises in the capital at 7:30am on Saturday. The chief adviser, members of the Advisory Council, politicians, diplomats, and people from various walks of life joined the jamaat there.
In addition, like every year, five Eid Jamaats were held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The first Jamaat took place at 7am, followed by the others at 8am, 9am, 10am, and 10:45am, respectively.
The country’s largest Eid congregation was held at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj at 9am.
Special munajats were offered in all Eid congregations seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of Bangladesh and welfare of the countrymen as well as Muslims of the world.
After attending the jamaats, devotees visited graveyards to seek eternal blessings for the departed souls of their loved ones.
The law enforcement agencies have taken all necessary security measures to ensure a smooth celebration of the religious festival in the country.
Earlier, the Advisory Council approved a 10-day Eid holiday for government offices. Beginning on 5 June, the holidays will continue until 14 June.
Meanwhile, thousands of Eid holidaymakers left Dhaka and other districts to reach their destinations to celebrate the festival with near and dear ones. They suffered immensely due to long tailbacks on highways.
In addition, scorching heat caused immense suffering to passengers, particularly women and children, and transport workers.
Moreover, there were allegations of extra fares charged up to three times the regular amount, further adding to the woes of the Eid journey.
Marking the Eid festival, television channels and radio stations are airing special programmes.
Besides, special meals are being served at hospitals, jails, government children’s homes (Chotomoni Nibash), centres for persons with disabilities, shelter homes, orphanages, and vagrant and destitute welfare centres.
