Eid likely tomorrow

Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest festival for Muslims, is expected to be celebrated across the country tomorrow (Monday) provided the Shawwal moon is sighted in the country's sky today (Sunday).

The festival marks the end of self-restraint and devotion and the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide.

The National Moon Sighting Committee will convene today (Sunday) at 6:30 pm at the conference room of Bangladesh Islamic Foundation (BIF) at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque to confirm the official Eid date.

For the first time, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will organise a large Eid congregation in Agargaon near the Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre.

The gathering will also feature a post-prayer rally with participants from all walks of life, followed by a two-day fair. The Eid prayer at this venue is scheduled for 8:30 am.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr today (Sunday), as the Shawwal moon was sighted on Saturday evening.

This year, people's movement to and from Dhaka to visit their loved ones has been smooth and hassle-free, with no significant disruptions in rail schedules or other modes of transport. Many believe that this smooth traffic flow is the result of government measures aimed at ensuring a trouble-free Eid journey.

The government-sponsored main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah, adjacent to the High Court, at 8:30 am. President Mohammed Shahabuddin is scheduled to attend. In case of adverse weather, the congregation will be moved to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, where it will begin at 9:00 am.

Baitul Mukarram will host five Eid congregations starting at 7:00 am. The subsequent prayers will take place at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and the final one at 10:45 am.

The government recently extended the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday for public sector employees, granting a nine-day break from March 28 to April 05.

With the approaching of the festival, thousands have already left Dhaka to celebrate the joyous occasion with their families in their hometowns, with many more expected to depart today (Sunday). Authorities have completed preparations across the country to ensure smooth Eid congregations.

Special arrangements at the National Eidgah and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will allow women to participate in prayers. Eid prayers will also be held in mosques, open grounds, and designated Eidgahs nationwide.

The national flag will be hoisted atop government and non-government buildings, while main streets and intersections will be adorned with national flags and banners inscribed with "Eid Mubarak" in Bangla and Arabic.

Television channels and radio stations will broadcast special programmes to mark the occasion. Special meals will be served in hospitals, prisons, orphanages, shelter homes, and welfare centers.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has tightened security measures to ensure smooth and safe observance of Eid congregations, particularly at the National Eidgah.

In the meantime, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd on its website on Saturday announced that metro rail services will remain closed on the Eid day, but it will begin to operate as usual from the following day.

jasimharoon@yahoo.com and sajibur@gmail.com