Nation set to embrace spirit of sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha

The holy Eid-ul-Azha, one of the main religious festivals of Muslims, will be celebrated across the country on Thursday, May 28, with religious solemnity and festive spirit. The nation will once again celebrate Eid with the glory of sacrifice. This festival is also known as 'Eid of Sacrifice' in the country.

On Eid morning, worshippers will gather at nearby Eidgahs and mosques to offer the two-rakat wajib prayer of Eid-ul-Azha. Khatibs will highlight the significance of sacrifice and the ideals of Islamic devotion in their sermons. People from all walks of life, rich and poor alike, will pray shoulder to shoulder and exchange greetings.

President Md Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages greeting the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Leaders of various political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have also extended Eid greetings.

The National Eidgah ground adjacent to the High Court in the capital has been prepared for the main Eid congregation. The President, Prime Minister, judges, diplomats and political leaders, along with people from all walks of life, will participate in the Eid congregation. Special security measures have been taken. Government, semi-government and autonomous buildings have been decorated with lights. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and various private television channels are broadcasting special programmes for Eid. Special meals will also be served at hospitals, prisons, orphanages and children's homes.

After Eid prayers, affluent Muslims will sacrifice animals to attain the pleasure of Allah. According to Islamic history, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (AS) on Allah's command. Pleased with his obedience and spirit of sacrifice, Allah arranged for a ram to be sacrificed instead of Ismail. The practice of sacrifice was established in Islam to commemorate that event. Eid-ul-Azha is also deeply connected with the holy Hajj. Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated in Saudi Arabia today. Pilgrims have already completed various rituals of Hajj at Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina. Many countries around the world are celebrating Eid today in line with Saudi Arabia.

Long holidays began on May 25 for Eid. According to a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration, government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions will remain closed from May 25 to May 31. This long holiday has been arranged by combining the main Eid holiday with additional holidays declared by executive order.

Earlier, a cabinet meeting on May 7 approved the decision to declare a general holiday on May 25 and keep offices open on May 23 and 24 to ensure smooth Eid travel. However, hospitals, healthcare services, fire service, electricity, water, gas, internet and postal services, along with other emergency services, will remain operational during the Eid holidays. Officials and employees working in these sectors will perform their regular duties. Media outlets have also declared five days of holidays for Eid, so newspapers will not be published from May 27 to May 31.

The government has taken various measures to ensure smooth Eid travel. All CNG and filling stations have been ordered to remain open. Concerned authorities have said action will be taken immediately upon receiving complaints of passenger harassment or any kind of suffering.