The official announcement came on Monday evening from the National Moon Sighting Committee after meeting at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The committee confirmed that the new crescent moon for the Islamic month of Zilhajj was seen in the sky, meaning the holy month officially starts on Tuesday, 19 May.
This starts a 10-day countdown to Eid-ul-Adha, a time when Muslims spend extra time praying, fasting, and getting ready for the big festival.
Why Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia celebrate on different days
Bangladesh will celebrate Eid exactly one day after Saudi Arabia, which is hosting its festival on Tuesday, 27 May.
This one-day difference happens every year and is completely normal. Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, dates depend on when the new moon is physically seen in the sky in each country. Since Saudi Arabia is in a different part of the world, they saw the moon a day earlier, on Sunday.
Islamic scholars around the world agree that these regional differences are a natural part of following a moon-based calendar.
Huge holiday travel and market rush begins
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice", is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. It honours the Prophet Ibrahim’s deep devotion to God. The day starts with big community prayers in the morning, followed by the ritual sacrifice of livestock (called Qurbani). The meat is then shared equally among family, neighbours, and people in need.
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