Holy Eid-ul-Azha, one of the biggest religious festivals of Muslims, is being celebrated across the country today with due religious fervor and festivity.
People are celebrating the festival, also known as “Qurbanir Eid,” in the spirit of devotion, sacrifice and submission to the will of the Almighty Allah.
On this occasion, Muslim devotees offered Eid prayers at Eidgahs and mosques across the country in the morning.
Religious scholars and khateebs delivered sermons in those prayers highlighting the significance of Qurbani and the teachings of sacrifice in Islam.
After the prayers, people exchanged Eid greetings, strengthening the bonds of fraternity and harmony.
In separate messages, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman greeted the countrymen on the occasion.
Leaders of different political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, also conveyed Eid greetings.
The main Eid congregation in the capital was held at the National Eidgah adjacent to the High Court premises where the President, the Prime Minister, judges, diplomats, political leaders and people from different professions offered their prayers.
Authorities have taken special security measures centering the congregation.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels are airing special programmes on the occasion.
Special meals are being served at hospitals, orphanages, prisons and child care centres.
After offering Eid prayers, Muslims are sacrificing animals seeking the blessings of the Almighty Allah.
The practice of Qurbani commemorates the supreme devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah’s command.
The Almighty Allah later replaced Ismail (AS) with a sacrificial animal, symbolising the spirit of faith and sacrifice.
Eid-ul-Azha is also deeply linked with the holy Hajj. Eid was observed in Saudi Arabia yesterday as hajj pilgrims have already performed major rituals at Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.
Many countries around the celebrated Eid in line with Saudi Arabia.
All public and private offices are in long holidays from May 25 as the government announced weeklong vacation to facilitate people to celebrate the festival.
However, emergency services, including hospitals, healthcare, fire service, electricity, water, gas, internet and postal services, will remain operational during the holidays.
Officials and employees engaged in those sectors are continuing their duties as usual.
Media organisations have also announced a five-day Eid holiday, resulting in no newspaper publication from May 27 to May 31.
To ensure smooth Eid journeys, the government has taken various measures, including keeping all CNG and filling stations open.
Authorities also warned of immediate action against passenger harassment and travel-related sufferings.
