The holy Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, marking the birth and passing of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), is being observed across the country today with due religious solemnity.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Makkah on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal in 570 AD, bringing a message of peace, compassion and guidance for humanity. He passed away on the same date in 632 AD.
The day is being observed as a public holiday.
The government has taken various national-level programmes to mark the occasion. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages extending greetings to Muslims around the world.
The President on Tuesday inaugurated the Islamic Foundation’s fortnight-long programme titled ‘Siratunnabi (PBUH) Programme’ at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.
Special prayers are being held at mosques across the country, including the Bangladesh Secretariat Mosque, while Bangladesh missions abroad are also observing the day with due respect.
Relevant ministries and departments have been instructed to take special measures to maintain peace and law and order during the celebrations.
The Islamic Foundation has arranged programmes from 25 August to 8 September, including Islamic sermons, seminars and discussions, as well as competitions in Qirat, Hamd-Naat, self-composed poetry and Arabic essay writing.
The foundation is also organising Islamic cultural competitions involving students from schools, colleges, universities and madrasahs, along with a calligraphy exhibition, a month-long Islamic book fair and the publication of Sirat souvenirs and supplementary materials.
The book fair is being held at the east and south courtyards of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.
According to the Islamic Foundation, prominent Islamic scholars will deliver sermons every day from after Maghrib prayers until 10:00pm during the fortnight-long programme.
The events aim to promote morality, humanity, tolerance and peace in individual, family and social life by following the ideals and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Islamic Foundation and Bangladesh Betar will jointly organise a seminar marking the occasion, while Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a poetry recitation programme.
Divisional, district and upazila administrations, city corporations, municipalities and the armed forces are organising discussions and doa mahfils in their respective areas.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other electronic media have been requested to broadcast special programmes, while newspapers have published supplements marking the occasion.
Various organisations are arranging discussions, doa mahfils, Hamd-Naat, poetry recitations, cultural events and quiz competitions focusing on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and Islam’s messages of peace, progress, fraternity, patience, human rights and dignity for women.
Bangladesh Shishu Academy has arranged special programmes for children, including Hamd-Naat, discussions and essay competitions.
Important road islands, light posts and key points in cities have been decorated with national and colourful flags, along with banners featuring the Kalima Tayyiba.
Improved diets are being served at military and civil hospitals, prisons, government orphanages, child development centres and old-age homes to mark the occasion.
