Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee has announced that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, according to foreign media reports.
In Bangladesh, Ramadan typically starts one day after Saudi Arabia. The National Moon Sighting Committee will make the final decision based on its meeting and moon observations, making it likely that fasting will commence Thursday.
Devout Muslims are preparing for Ramadan across the country. Masjids are being cleaned, while arrangements for Iftar and Taraweeh prayers are underway. Markets have seen increased purchases of essential goods in anticipation of the month-long fasting period.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will make an official announcement once the moon is sighted. According to a press release by the Islamic Foundation on Tuesday, a meeting will be held at 6 p.m. (after Maghrib) on Wednesday at the Islamic Foundation Hall of Baitul Mukarram National Masjid, chaired by the minister of Religious Affairs.
The Islamic Foundation has requested that if the Ramadan moon is sighted anywhere in Bangladesh, local deputy commissioners or upazila nirbahi officers be informed immediately. Designated phone numbers for reporting sightings are 02-41053294, 02-226640510, and 02-223383397.