Muslims in Bangladesh are observing Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the two major festivals in Islam, with hopes for peace and harmony.
Senior Imam Hafez Mufti Maulana Mizanur Rahman led the first Eid congregation at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka on Saturday, and a total of five prayer congregations are set to take place at the national mosque, as is the custom each year.
After observing a month of restraint during Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr has brought a sense of joy back to Bangladesh, despite some difficulties, such as a heatwave and a cost-of-living crisis.
Millions of people have left Dhaka to celebrate the festival with their loved ones back in their hometowns or villages.
However, for thousands of families who own shops and their employees, this Eid is a sad one due to the recent blazes that burnt down shops in Bangabazar and New Supermarket, just as the holiday shopping season had begun. Traders of other markets are also reporting a decline in sales due to the rise in the cost of living.
Fortunately, after several weeks of oppressive heat, sporadic rains brought some relief to citizens on Friday, and the met office has predicted rain for Eid day.
