Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday as Shawwal Moon not Sighted in Bangladesh

Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Bangladesh on Saturday, as the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in the country on Wednesday.

The decision was announced after a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Islamic Foundation office at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka following Maghrib prayers.

Religious Affairs Adviser Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad said reports from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and SPARRSO confirmed that the moon was not visible. As a result, Ramadan will complete 30 days on Friday, and the month of Shawwal will begin on Saturday.

Eid prayers at National Eidgah

The main Eid jamaat will be held at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises in Dhaka at 8:30am.

Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, will lead the prayers. Maulana Md Abu Saleh Patwari will serve as the alternate imam.

The President and the Chief Adviser are expected to join the main congregation, along with senior government officials, judges, political leaders, and members of the armed forces.

Security and Arrangements

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has made arrangements for around 35,000 worshippers at the National Eidgah, including separate facilities for women.

Law enforcement agencies, including police, RAB, and Special Security Force (SSF), will ensure security.

Authorities have installed additional ablution facilities and set up separate entry points, including a dedicated gate for VVIPs and a separate entrance for women.

Eid congregations at Baitul Mukarram

Five Eid jamaats will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am and10:45am.

Different imams will lead each congregation, with arrangements in place for an alternate imam if needed.

Other Prayer Venues

An Eid jamaat will also be held at 8:00am at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, where lawmakers, officials, and the public can participate. Separate arrangements have been made for women.

Public instructions

Authorities have requested worshippers to arrive on time with ablution completed. For security reasons, attendees are advised not to carry bags or unnecessary items.

Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

The festival is observed with congregational prayers, family visits, charity, and sharing food. It is also a time for gratitude, forgiveness, and helping the less fortunate.