Eid-ul-Azha being celebrated

Muslims in Bangladesh are celebrating the Eid-ul-Azha, the second most important festival in the Islamic calendar today (Monday) offering prayers and slaughtering animals.On this day, Muslims, who can afford, sacrifice animals to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son at Allah's command. Much of the meat will be given away to others – the sacrificed animal is cut in thirds, with one third eaten in a celebratory dinner by family, one third offered to friends, and the remaining portion donated to those less fortunate. But residents of over 100 villages in the country celebrated the festival on Saturday in keeping with Saudi Arabia. Like previous years, the biggest Eid congregation is being held at Kishoreganj's Sholakia. In Dhaka, the National Eidgah hosted the main congregation at 8am, National mosque Baitul Mukarram will host five consecutive Eid congregations every hour starting 7am. Eid prayers are now being followed by sacrificing animals. The supply of cattle was abundant in Dhaka and most traders reported brisk sale. Dhaka City Corporation -- both North and South -- have planned to deploy a 13,000-strong workforce and distributing special polythene bags to keep the City clean during the festival. DCC North will spray special bacteria to remove odour. The 48-hour cleaning drive will start today. Meanwhile, the meteorological department has forecast sporadic drizzles across Bangladesh on the Eid day but much of the day is expected to be sunny. President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted the people with separate messages on Sunday. Hamid hoped Eid would bring peace and prosperity and strengthen the unity, solidarity and brotherhood of the Muslims. In her message, the prime minister called upon the people to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh free from discrimination by participating in welfare-based activities. BNP chief Khaleda Zia, too, greeted the nation. Hasina will exchange Eid greetings with people from all walks of life at the Ganabhaban on Monday morning. Khaleda will greet people at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 11am. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Benazir Ahmed said they had arranged special security for the capital. The national flag will be hoisted at important public and private buildings. Roads and important establishments have been decorated ahead of the festival. A special diet will be served at hospitals, prisons, and shelter homes on the day, according to bdnews24.com.