Eid-ul-Azha today

Muslims are to sacrifice animals commemorating prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah as illustrated by his readiness to give up his beloved son Ismail. All the preparations for peaceful holding of the Eid congregations have completed across the country, including the capital and Sholakia in Kishoreganj, reports UNB. Thousands of people have already left the capital for their village homes to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with their families, giving the otherwise busy city a deserted look. According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), around six million people left Dhaka by Monday. The largest Eid congregation was held as usual at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj at 9am when several hundred thousand Muslims offered prayers there. In Dhaka, the main Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah near the High Court at 8am. President Abdul Hamid offered Eid prayers there. Five Eid congregations were also held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7 am, 8 am, 9am, 10am and 10:45am. The national flag is hoisted atop government and non-government office buildings on the day. The main city streets and road islands have been decorated with the national flags and banners inscribed with ‘Eid Mubarak’ in Bangla and Arabic. Special diet is served in hospitals, jails, government orphanages, centres for persons with disabilities, shelter homes and vagrant and destitute welfare centres. State-run Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels are airing special programmes on the occasion. On this auspicious occasion, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia greeted people. In his message, the President said the spirit of sacrifice of Eid-ul-Azha is a unique example of showing submission and love to the Almighty Allah. “There will be peace in society instead of jealousy and conflict if the spirit of sacrifice and love to Allah is reflected on our activities.” Describing Bangladesh as a unique example of secularism in the world, Hamid said, “The welfare of mankind is the main message of all religions. All must remain alert so that vested quarters can’t create disorder in society by misinterpreting religion and alluring anyone.” The President also urged all to accelerate the national development being imbued with the essence of the sacrifice of Eid-ul-Azha and by upholding the country's tradition of communal harmony in their personal and social life. In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the unique instance set by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) by sacrificing his dearest thing for the satisfaction of Allah will be imitated and followed forever. She also called upon people to build a happy, prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh free from discrimination by participating in the people's welfare-oriented activities and upholding the essence of Eid-ul-Azha. Hasina prayed to Allah for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country, and the Muslims across the country on the occasion. Meanwhile, police have taken stringent security measures for Eid following the militant attack on a police checkpost near Sholakia Eidgah in Kirshoreganj on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr on July 7. A four-tier security system was in place at the National Eidgah in the capital. Devotees were urged not to bring anything other than prayer mats to the eidgah.