Bangladesh celebrates Eid-ul-Azha

Holy Eid-ul-Azha, the largest religious festival for the Muslim community, is being celebrated across Bangladesh today, Thursday, with immense religious fervor, solemnity, and festive spirit. The primary focus of the morning remained centered around congressional prayers, which were immediately followed by the ritualistic sacrifice of cattle in remembrance of the profound devotion and unwavering faith of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). To mark the significance of the festival, government, semi-government, and autonomous institutional buildings across the capital have been illuminated, while state-run and private electronic media are broadcasting special commemorative programs.

The main Eid-ul-Azha congregation was held at the National Eidgah in the capital at 7:30 AM, drawing thousands of devotees from all walks of life. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman participated in the primary congregation alongside senior state officials, diplomats, and citizens. Across the country, regional Eidgahs and central mosques hosted staggered prayer sessions where religious scholars and khateebs delivered sermons emphasizing the core values of Islam, focusing on sacrifice, absolute obedience to divine commands, compassion, and self-purification.

Both President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued official messages greeting the citizens and the global Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion. In a video message broadcast on Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman noted that Eid-ul-Azha returns to the doorsteps of the community with a timeless message of piety and sacrifice. The Premier extended warm wishes to all people of the country, emphasizing inclusivity across all political beliefs, religions, and ethnicities to foster national unity.

The national celebration comes amidst an extended seven-day government holiday that officially commenced on Monday. However, the government has enforced strict exemptions to ensure public welfare remains uncompromised. The Eid leave for all doctors and nurses specialized in measles treatment and emergency healthcare services has been officially cancelled, ensuring uninterrupted medical care. Similarly, all vital emergency infrastructure networks—including fire services, electricity, water, gas, internet connectivity, mass media, and postal departments—remain fully functional.

To guarantee a peaceful environment and safeguard public property during the extended holidays, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has dramatically intensified its security matrix. DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed confirmed during a media briefing that a staggering 85 to 90 percent of the total police personnel stationed in the capital have been retained on active duty, with only 10 to 15 percent of the force receiving holiday leave. Specialized security cordons and surveillance networks have been established around the National Eidgah and major public hubs.

Following the conclusion of the morning prayers, families transitioned to executing their religious obligations of animal sacrifice. The sacrificial meat is traditionally divided into three equal structural parts to be shared with family, neighbors, and the underprivileged. To support institutionalized welfare, state authorities have arranged for enhanced festive meals to be served throughout the day across all public hospitals, orphanages, central prisons, and state childcare centers.