The 199th Eid-ul-Azha congregation at Sholakia Eidgah Maidan, the country’s largest and most historic Eidgah, will begin at 9am on May 28 under a five-tier security arrangement.
Authorities said all preparations have been completed to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the event, which draws thousands of worshippers from across Bangladesh.
Mufti Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah, Khatib of Borabazar Jame Mosque, will lead the main congregation, while Maulana Zubair Ibne Abdul Hai, lecturer at Haibatnagar A.U. Kamil Madrasa, will serve as alternate imam.
A separate Eid congregation for women will be held at 8am on the grounds of Suryabala Government Girls’ High School. Maulana Mohammad Sanaullah will lead the prayers, with Abdul Qayyum, a religious teacher at Government Boys’ High School, as alternate imam.
Deputy Commissioner Sohana Nasrin, Sholakia Eidgah Maidan Management Committee President, along with District Police Superintendent Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and RAB-14 CPC-2 Kishoreganj Camp Squadron Leader Md. Ali Noman, briefed the media on Tuesday. Kishoreganj-1 MP Md. Mazharul Islam also addressed preparations and security measures.
The Deputy Commissioner said around 600 police personnel, two platoons of BGB members, and 55 RAB officers will be deployed across the Eidgah and town. Four watchtowers have been installed, the area divided into eight sectors, and nine executive magistrates will oversee key points.
Authorities have installed 64 CCTV cameras, set up multiple check posts, and arranged two special trains for devotees travelling from distant districts. The Bhairab train will depart at 6am, reaching Kishoreganj by 8am, while the Mymensingh train leaves at 5:30am, arriving at 8:10am. Return trips will begin at noon.
For convenience, the venue will provide 50 temporary ablution facilities, 20 permanent toilets, 20 urinals, and two 2,000-litre temporary water vans. Medical support, including ambulances and emergency equipment, will be on-site.
Deputy Commissioner Nasrin urged worshippers to bring only prayer mats into the Eidgah, noting that all entrants will be searched.
Police Superintendent Rahman said a 24-hour security plan has been implemented, with 616 law enforcement personnel deployed, 32 check posts, seven archway gates, and 50 metal detectors in place. CCTV surveillance will be supplemented by drones and video cameras, and a bomb disposal unit is on standby. RAB, CID, PBI, and the Anti-Terrorism Unit will also remain on duty. Worshippers were advised not to carry torchlights, matches, or flammable items, and mobile phones should be set to silent mode.
RAB Squadron Leader Md. Ali Noman confirmed that extensive measures have been taken to ensure security in and around the Eidgah. MP Md. Mazharul Islam expressed hope that the congregation would be conducted safely and peacefully, as with the previous Eid-ul-Fitr.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Mukit Sarkar and other officials were also present at the briefings.
