The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, will be observed across Bangladesh on Saturday, as the crescent moon of the month of Shawwal was not sighted on Thursday.
The decision was announced following a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Islamic Foundation in the evening. The meeting was chaired by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, who serves as the committee’s president.
No reports of moon sightings were received from any district, confirming that Friday will complete 30 days of Ramadan and marking the start of Shawwal on Saturday.
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on the first day of Shawwal following a month of fasting in Ramadan. While the moon is often sighted earlier in countries like Saudi Arabia, Eid there will be observed on Friday, a day ahead of Bangladesh.
The government’s seven-day official Eid holiday began on Tuesday, and offices and courts are scheduled to reopen on 24 March.
The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation at the National Eidgah in the capital will be held at 8:30am, with the President and the Prime Minister expected to join thousands of worshippers.
Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, will lead the prayers, while Dr Maulana Md Abu Saleh Patwari, a mufassir of the Islamic Foundation, will remain prepared as the alternate imam.
State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam confirmed the arrangements after visiting the venue on Thursday morning. He was accompanied by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam and other senior officials.
Senior dignitaries, including the Chief Justice, cabinet members, Supreme Court judges, political leaders, and top civil and military officials, are also expected to attend the main congregation.
The Eid jamaat at the National Eidgah will be organised under the supervision of the Dhaka South City Corporation. Authorities have made arrangements to accommodate around 35,000 worshippers, including separate facilities for women.
To ensure security, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other law enforcement agencies will be deployed across the venue. Members of the Special Security Force (SSF) will be responsible for the protection of VVIPs.
Security measures have already been tightened, with the Eidgah perimeter cordoned off. Additional water taps have been installed for ablution, and separate entry points have been designated, including a special gate through the Supreme Court premises for VVIPs and a dedicated entrance for women.
Meanwhile, a total of five Eid congregations will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, and 10:45am.
