The nation is celebrating Eid-ul-Azha today (Thursday) with religious fervour and festivity across the country.
Muslims from all walks of life are observing the festival in the spirit of devotion, sacrifice, and submission to the will of Almighty Allah.
Eid congregations held at Eidgahs and mosques nationwide in the morning, where devotees will offer prayers and seek divine blessings.
Religious scholars and khateebs delivered sermons focusing on the significance of Qurbani and the values of sacrifice, compassion, and obedience in Islam.
Following the prayers, people exchange Eid greetings, reinforcing the bonds of unity and brotherhood.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, greeted the nation on the occasion.
Leaders of different political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, also conveyed Eid greetings.
The Prime Minister prayed to Almighty Allah for peace, security and stability for Bangladesh, the Muslim world and humanity as a whole.
He also prayed for global peace, harmony and safety.
The main Eid congregation in the capital was held at the National Eidgah adjacent to the High Court premises.
Preparations at the venue were completed, with the President, Prime Minister, judges, diplomats, political leaders, and people from different professions expected to attend.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) intensified security measures surrounding the National Eidgah to protect the lives and property of city residents and ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid.
Speaking to the media after inspecting preparations at the National Eidgah, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said that only 10 to 15 percent of police personnel in Dhaka Metropolitan City have been granted leave due to heightened security arrangements for Eid.
Government, semi-government, and autonomous institution buildings have been illuminated marking the festival.
State-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, along with private television channels, are broadcasting special programmes to celebrate the occasion.
Special meals are also being served at hospitals, orphanages, prisons, and child care centres.
After Eid prayers, Muslims performed Qurbani, sacrificing animals in remembrance of the devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah’s command.
According to Islamic belief, Almighty Allah later replaced Ismail (AS) with a sacrificial animal, symbolising unwavering faith and sacrifice.
Eid-ul-Azha is also deeply linked with the holy Hajj. Eid celebrations started earlier in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as the crescent moon for the Arabic month of Dhul Hijja was spotted earlier in that country. By Wednesday, Hajj pilgrims had already performed major rituals at Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.
Many countries around the world began celebrations on Wednesday in line with Saudi Arabia.
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