The country is ready to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most revered festivals in Islam, across the country with due solemnity and religious fervor.
The festival, to be celebrated tomorrow, is observed on the 10th day of Zilhajj, the final 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.
At the last moment, shoppers are busy grabbing their much-needed essentials while traders tried to make most out of the market demand.
In cattle markets, buyers are shuttling from one place to another as severe cattle shortage are reported in several big markets in the city.
On Thursday night alone, a large number of sacrificial animals were sold at various markets. However, sellers complained of not getting fair prices for their livestock, while buyers claimed that sellers were unwilling to reduce their asking prices. Despite the debate, many buyers were seen returning home with their desired animals after successful bargains.
From early Friday morning, crowds at the markets grew significantly, and trading continued non-stop. There was particularly high demand for small and medium-sized cows. Every cattle market—from Dhania in Dhaka South to Gabtoli and Diabari in the north—is now bustling with eager buyers.
Since dawn, people have been visiting multiple markets, comparing prices, bargaining, and purchasing animals. Many buyers, after spending the night at the markets, were seen returning home at daybreak with their livestock, either walking the animals with herders or transporting them by truck.
The main Eid congregation in the capital will be held at the Jatiya Eidgah on the High Court premises at 7:30am tomorrow.
In case of inclement weather, the main Jamaat will be shifted to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 8am.
Like every year, five Eid Jamaats will also be held at Baitul Mukarram mosque. The first Jamaat will take place at 7am, followed by the others at 8am, 9am, 10am, and 10:45am respectively, said an Islamic Foundation release.
The Eid Jamaat at the Jatiya Eidgah will be broadcast live on all television channels.
The schedule of Eid-ul-Adha congregations at major mosques in the capital and across the country will be aired on Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar, and other TV channels on the eve of Eid.
State-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar as well as other TV channels and radio stations, would broadcast special programmes on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
On Eid day, improved diets will be served to inmates of government hospitals, prisons, orphanages, safe homes and shelter centres.
The law enforcement agencies, including Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have taken all necessary security measures to ensure smooth celebration of the religious festival in the country, including the capital city Dhaka.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel have been put on the highest alert to ensure overall security across the country for smooth and festive celebrations of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.
The government has directed the CNG filling stations to remain open for 24 hours during Eid holidays to facilitate the easy movement of homebound people on highways, an official release said.
In this regard, the Power Division issued a notification saying CNG filling stations must be open round the clock on Eid day, the seven days before the Eid and the five days following the festival.