Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of Muslims which also marks the end of Ramadan fasting, will be celebrated in the country tomorrow if the moon of the month of Shawwal is sighted in Bangladesh sky today.
The National Moon Sighting Committee will meet today at 7:30pm to take decision in this regard after reviewing the information of the moon sighting. The meeting will be chaired by Religious Affairs Minister Matior Rahaman, who is also the president of the committee.
If the moon is not sighted today, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday.
The Islamic Foundation has requested the people of the country to call the Moon Sighting Committee at 9559493, 9559643, 9555947, 9556407 or 9558337, or send a fax at 9563397 in case the new moon is sighted anywhere in the country tonight.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted the nation and the Muslims across the world on this occasion.
In separate messages, they wished peace, progress and prosperity for all.
Eid preparation in full swing
Thousands of people have already left the capital to celebrate the largest religious festival in the country with their families in different parts of the country; many more are expected to leave today.
The three-day public holiday begins today, and it will be extended for a day if the Eid falls on Sunday.
All preparations have been completed across the country for smooth holding of Eid congregations.
The largest Eid congregation will be held at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj district at 10am, where hundreds of thousands of Muslims will offer special prayers on the occasion.
In the capital, the main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah near the High Court at 8:30am, which will be attended by President Abdul Hamid.
However, the venue of the main congregation will be shifted to the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Besides, five congregations will be held at 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am and 10:45am at the National Mosque.
Arrangements will be there at the National Eidgah and the National Mosque for women to take part in the Eid prayers alongside their male counterparts.
Law enforcement agencies, including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police, will ensure security in and around the main Eid congregation.
Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations will arrange 379 more Eid congregations between 7 am and 11 am in the city.
Two Eid congregations will be held at Dhaka University Central Mosque and one at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 8am.
Divisional, district and upazila administrations and local government bodies have taken preparations in their respective areas to observe Eid-ul-Fitr.
The law enforcers have taken tight security measures across the country for the festival.
The government has chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate Eid with due respect and in a smooth manner.
National flags will be hoisted at government, autonomous and non-government offices and other important establishments.
National flags and flags inscribed with “Eid Mubarak” will be installed at important traffic islands and light posts in Dhaka city.
Besides, designated government offices and other establishments would be illuminated on the night following the Eid day.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television stations will air special programmes. Special meals will be served in hospitals, jails and orphanages.
The day will be observed in Bangladesh missions abroad in a befitting manner as well.