Eid-ul-Azha celebrated

The nation celebrated the holy Eid-ul-Azha, a day of sacrifice to the Muslims, Wednesday with prayers in congregations and sacrificing animals in the name of Almighty Allah.

The Eid is celebrated on the 10th of Zilhajj month of the Hizri calendar as Prophet Ibrahim (AS), on this day some 4,000 years ago, offered to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) who willingly submitted to the will of his father to please Allah. But the Almighty in His benign mercy spared Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed.

To commemorate this historic event, the Muslims all over the world slaughter sacrificial animals and draw inspiration from the unique example of sacrifice to please Allah as shown by two great prophets — – Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).

The government has taken elaborate programmes to observe the Eid across the country with due solemnity and religious fervour.

The celebration began with Eid congregations across the country followed by sacrifice of cattle in the name of Allah.

Meanwhile, millions of people have left the capital and other major cities to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones in the countryside.

A three-day Eid holiday began Tuesday following another holiday marking the Durga Puja on Monday.

Newspaper offices would also remain closed for three days until October 17.

State-run BTV and private television channels have been broadcasting special programmes on Eid. Newspapers published special supplements on Eid.

The national flag has been flown atop government and non-government buildings and roadside poles to mark the festival.

Important public and private buildings were illuminated in the capital city befitting traditional outdoor illumination.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Khaleda Zia issued separate messages, greeting the Muslims in Bangladesh and all over the world on the occasion of Eid-ul Azha.

The president would host a reception at Bangabhaban on the Eid day to exchange greetings with dignitaries and foreign diplomats.

Sheikh Hasina exchanged Eid greetings with leading people in different walks of life at Gono Bhaban, the official residence of the prime minister.

Khaleda Zia exchanged Eid greetings with diplomats and noted citizens at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

The capital’s main Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah at 8.30am where President Abdul Hamid will offer his Eid prayers.

The authorities made special arrangement for women to say Eid prayers at the National Eidgah.

Five congregations were also held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am and at 10:45am.

Bangladesh’s biggest congregation was held as usual at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj.

Outlying city corporations, district administrations and upazila administrations have taken similar programmes to celebrate Eid.

On the day, improved diets have been served at government hospitals, prisons, orphanages, safe homes and shelter centers.