The holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Muslim calendar, will be observed on Saturday in Bangladesh, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal moon on Thursday.
Religious Affairs Minister and National Moon Sighting Committee President Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad confirmed the announcement after the committee’s meeting.
“The moon of Shawwal 1447 Hijri was not sighted today. Therefore, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday,” he said.
The committee had convened earlier at the Islamic Foundation meeting room at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, with Mofazzal presiding over the session.
The main Eid congregational prayer will take place at the National Eidgah near the High Court premises at 8:30am.
Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek will lead the prayers, with Dr. Maulana Md Abu Saleh Patwari of the Islamic Foundation standing by as alternate imam.
State dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister, are scheduled to attend and participate in the main prayer.
State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, who inspected the venue with officials, said the National Eidgah has been arranged to accommodate around 35,000 Muslims, including a separate area for women.
Security arrangements have been strengthened with deployment of police, RAB, and other law enforcement personnel, while the Special Security Force (SSF) will oversee VVIP protection. The perimeter of the Eidgah has been cordoned off, with additional water taps installed for ablution. Separate entrances have been designated for VVIPs, women, and general attendees.
Five sequential congregational prayers will also be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque starting at 7am and continuing until 10:45am.
The leading imams for each congregation include Maulana Mizanur Rahman, Mufti Muhibbullahil Baqi Nadvi, Maulana Md Zakir Hossain, Maulana Zobayer Ahmed Al Azhari, and Mufti Maulana Mohammad Abdullah, with Maulana Shahidul Islam as alternate imam.
In addition, a special Eid congregation is planned at 8am at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, with MPs, officials, and nearby devotees expected to participate. A dedicated space has been arranged for women at this location as well.
Attendees are advised to arrive on time, perform ablution beforehand, and bring only essential items such as prayer mats, mobile phones, or umbrellas for convenience.
Eid-ul-Fitr, meaning “festival of breaking the fast,” marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. On the day of Eid, devotees gather for prayers, exchange greetings, and celebrate with family and friends.
The festival is also a time for generosity and gratitude. Many Muslims share food, gifts, and cash, known as “Salami,” with children, relatives, and the less fortunate. Homes are visited, festive meals are hosted, and sweets are shared as part of the joyous occasion.
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