Bangladesh is preparing to perform a different kind Eid-ul-Fitr prayer this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite having Eid prayers at Eidgah(s) or open grounds as one of the main components of celebrating Eid for Muslims, this year’s prayers would be arranged only at mosques.
Muslims are also being discouraged to embrace each other and shake hands after the Eid jamaat.
A public notice by the Religious Affairs Ministry, issued on Thursday, said: “Islam encourages to perform Eid prayer at Eidgah or open ground. But considering the health safety, worshipers are being instructed to perform prayers at mosques, following social distancing. If necessary, more than one jamaat will be arranged at different time slots.”
“As well as all the health guidelines must be followed by the devotees, failing which government authorities and police will take legal action,” according to the public notice.
Following are the health and safety guidelines one must adhere to for performing Eid prayer at mosques:
Mosques are not to use carpets on their floors. The floors themselves must be cleaned with antiseptic five times a day, following each prayer. Worshippers must bring their own prayer mats and caps.
Hand sanitizer or handwashing soap and water must be kept in front of the mosques so that everyone can wash their hands before entering. Everyone must wear masks inside the mosque.
Ablution must be performed before going to the mosque.
Worshippers standing in the same line must maintain a distance of at least three feet from each other. Lines must not be formed in consecutive rows, but alternate rows.
Children, the elderly, the sick, and those engaged in the service of patients cannot participate in the congregation.
General guidelines of the health care department, local administration, and law enforcement agencies must be followed to ensure public safety.
The mosque management committees must ensure that the guidelines are followed. Failing to ensure adherence may result in legal action against mosque management.
Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs had announced that all mosques will be open to the public for mass prayers from May 7 upon ensuring a few conditions and social distancing measures.
On April 6, the government suspended prayers for the public at all places of worship and religious institutions across the country in a bid to stop further spread of the virus.
Every year, the city corporations and district administrations organize central Eid prayer in all the districts of the country.
But this year, government authorities will not organize Eid prayers on open grounds following the decision.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already instructed not to organize Eid jamaat at Supreme Court premises, the main Eid congregation in the country. Similarly, Eid prayer at South Plaza of the National Parliament will also not be held this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
President Abdul Hamid will perform Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in a mosque inside Bangabhaban.
