All arrangements for the main congregation at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises in Dhaka have been completed in anticipation of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, one of the largest religious festivals for Muslims.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is in charge of organizing the congregation.
DSCC Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh expressed his satisfaction after inspecting the overall preparations for the Eid congregation on Tuesday.
Special arrangements have been made this year to accommodate women along with men. Facilities for ablution, drinking water, mobile toilets, and primary medical care have been arranged for all worshipers.
In addition to this, for the smooth organization of the Eid congregation, three-tier special security measures have been put in place throughout the Eidgah, including CCTV cameras.
When will the main Eid jamaat commence?
According to DSCC sources, the main Eid jamaat at the National Eidgah will take place at 7:30am.
However, in case of adverse weather or any other reasons making the congregation impossible, the main Eid jamaat will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 8am.
Venue Details
A visit to the National Eidgah field revealed that the work of placing the pandal and canvas was completed at least a week ago.
Within the Eidgah field, 600 ceiling fans, 150 stand fans, 40 metal lights, and 700 tube lights have been installed for the Muslim devotees.
Each row has been laid with special velvet cloth on the carpet.
Drinking water, mobile toilets, and primary medical kits are available on different sides of the rows.
The entire area, including the main gate, is adorned with colourful decorations. The main pandal, covering an area of 25,400 square metres, will accommodate 35,000 Muslims simultaneously for the Eid jamaat.
Special arrangements have also been made for thousands of people to perform prayers outside the main pandal.
Entrance Arrangements and Prayer Sections
The DSCC has stated that there will be a separate VIP gate for entry to the Eidgah field this time.
In addition, a separate gate has been set up for the general public and women. There will also be five VIP male rows and one female row for the Eid jamaat at the National Eidgah.
For the general public, there will be 65 large rows for men and 50 small rows for women.
In the ablution area, approximately 113 men and 27 women will be able to perform ablution separately at the same time.
Welfare Measures
Keeping the ongoing heatwave in mind, the National Eidgah has been equipped with 10 air coolers, ample fans and lights.
Additionally, there are provisions for basic medical services, mobile toilets, and drainage for rainwater. Also, arrangements for food and water have been made.
Exit arrangements and weather contingency
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Public Relations Officer Abu Naser said that separate gates have been arranged for women to exit.
“Also, sufficient paths have been kept to avoid any rush when the devotees exit after the prayer,” he said.
“In case of rain, tarpaulins have been arranged to prevent water from entering,” he added.
How many people will attend the main Eid jamaat?
Nearly 35,000 people, including about 250 VIPs, significant women, and ordinary men, will participate in the Eid-ul-Azha main jamaat at the National Eidgah.
Besides, countless people outside the Eidgah will also participate in this congregation.
Security Assurance
Therefore, keeping the objective of organizing the congregation neatly and orderly, a three-tier special security system has been arranged.
All entrance paths to the Eidgah, VIP and VVIP prayer areas, and the entire pandal of the Eidgah have been equipped with CCTV cameras.
Devotees will have to enter the pandal through an archway after being searched with a metal detector before entering the Eidgah.
Additionally, RAB and police personnel in plainclothes will be vigilant at the Eidgah ground to ensure the security of the main congregation.
Regarding the overall security arrangements for the main Eid congregation, DSCC Chief Executive Officer Mizanur Rahman said: "This year, the preparation of the National Eidgah has been completed under our engineering department of zone-1. We have ensured three-tier security for people at all levels. In addition, sufficient RAB and police personnel will be constantly vigilant in the Eidgah Maidan in plainclothes."
