The nation will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on Wednesday with due solemnity and religious fervour.
Muslims across the world celebrate this Eid on Zilhajj 10 on the Hizri calendar, as on this day, according to Islamic history, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) offered to sacrifice his son Ismail (pbuh) to please the Almighty, and Ismail (pbuh) willingly submitted to his father's will.
However, accepting Prophet Ibrahim's intention, the Almighty showed mercy and spared Ismail's life, sending a ram to be sacrificed instead.
Muslims commemorate this event by sacrificing cattle and offering special prayers.
The government announced a three-day holiday, from Tuesday to Thursday, for Eid.
On the occasion, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begum Raushan Ershad greeting the countrymen as well as Muslims all over the world, reported BSS.
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President Hamid will exchange Eid greetings with citizens as well as diplomats at his official residence Bangabhaban on Eid day, starting at 10:30am, Bangabhaban sources said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will exchange her greetings with the people, including party leaders and workers, judges and foreign diplomats, at her official residence Ganabhaban on the day from 10am to 11am.
The prime minister will then greet the Cabinet secretary, the chiefs of the three defence services, foreign diplomats, senior secretaries, secretaries and other civil and military officials at Ganabhaban, starting at 11am.
Islamic Foundation Director Dr Mohammad Harunur Rashid said the main Eid congregation would be held at National Eidgah near the High Court building at 8am. President M Abdul Hamid will offer his Eid prayers at National Eidgah.
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Islamic Foundation’s spokesman said a total of five Eid congregations will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the first jamaat at 7am, second at 8am, third at 9am, fourth at 10am and the last one at 10:45am.
According to the organizers, adequate water supply and security arrangement have already been made at Baitul Mukaram National Mosque.
Adequate security measures have been taken for peaceful and smooth celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, Inspector General (IGP) of Police Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary said.
The law enforcement agencies were also asked to ensure smooth movement of vehicles on highways, waterways and train routes, he added.
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Railway stations, bus and launch terminals were seen overcrowded for the last few days as homeward-bound passengers are heading to their desired destinations.
Special arrangements have been made by the public transport companies – Bangladesh Railway, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) – as well as the private companies for smooth travelling of a large number of people.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other TV channels and radio stations will broadcast special programs on this occasion.
On the day, improved diets will be served to inmates of government hospitals, prisons, orphanages, safe homes and shelters.
