Nation celebrates Eid-ul-Azha with devotion, community spirit

Bangladesh is observing Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, with deep religious devotion and nationwide celebrations.

The festival, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, falls on the 10th day of Zilhajj in the Islamic calendar and commemorates the willingness of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in submission to Allah’s will. In divine mercy, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, an event Muslims around the world honor through the ritual of animal sacrifice.

Muslims across the country are participating in Eid congregational prayers, followed by the sacrifice of animals, distributing the meat among family, friends, and the needy.

The main Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises at 7:30 AM. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, members of the Advisory Council, diplomats, political leaders, and citizens attended the jamaat. In the capital, five Eid jamaats were held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, starting from 7:00 AM and continuing until 10:45 AM.

The largest congregation in the country took place at the Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj at 9:00 AM. At all major sites, special prayers (munajats) were offered, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and the welfare of the Muslim ummah.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to the nation in separate Eid messages, urging unity, compassion, and sacrifice.

Following the prayers, many devotees visited graveyards to pray for their deceased loved ones. Law enforcement agencies were deployed nationwide to ensure peaceful observance of the festival.

A 10-day Eid holiday, approved by the Advisory Council, began on June 5 and will continue through June 14, giving people time to reunite with family. However, the massive holiday exodus led to severe traffic congestion on highways. Travelers, including women and children, suffered under intense summer heat, while many faced exorbitant transportation fares, some reportedly tripled by unscrupulous operators.

As part of the celebration, state-run and private media are airing special Eid programmes. Special meals are also being provided at hospitals, jails, orphanages, children's homes, and shelters for the disabled and destitute.

Despite the travel difficulties and heatwave, the spirit of sacrifice, prayer, and charity continues to define Eid-ul-Azha across Bangladesh.