Holy Eid-ul-Azha being celebrated across Bangladesh

The holy Eid-ul-Azha, one of the largest religious festivals of the Muslim community, is being celebrated across Bangladesh with due religious fervour, sacrifice and festivity on Thursday.

People from all walks of life are joining Eid prayers at Eidgahs and mosques across the country in the morning, where khatibs are highlighting the significance of Qurbani and the ideals of sacrifice in Islam during khutbas.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages greeting the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
Leaders of different political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, also conveyed Eid greetings.

The main Eid congregation has been arranged at the National Eidgah adjacent to the High Court in the capital, where the President, Prime Minister, judges, diplomats, political leaders and people from different professions are expected to join the prayers under tight security measures.

Government, semi-government and autonomous institution buildings have been illuminated marking the occasion. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels are airing special Eid programmes.

Special meals will also be served at hospitals, prisons, orphanages and child care centres on the occasion.

After the Eid prayers, financially solvent Muslims will offer sacrificial animals seeking the pleasure of Almighty Allah.

According to Islamic history, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah’s command. Pleased with his devotion and obedience, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with an animal, commemorating which the practice of Qurbani was introduced in Islam.

Meanwhile, people across the country are also enjoying an extended holiday during this year’s Eid-ul-Azha.

According to a government notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, the holiday began on May 25 and will continue until May 31, allowing employees of government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions to enjoy a long festive break.