Ramadan from Friday as moon not sighted

Holy Ramadan, the lunar month of self-purification through fasting and abstinence, commences on Friday. Religious Affairs Minister Matior Rahaman said Muslims in Bangladesh will start fasting from Friday early morning since the new crescent moon of the Arabic month was not seen in any part of Bangladesh on Wednesday. The minister announced the decision on Wednesday evening after a meeting with the National Moon Sighting Committee. All eyes were set at the heavens to sight the crescent of the Ramadan, anxiously waiting for the announcement of advent of the holy month, according to a news agency.