The Shawwal moon was officially sighted in the skies of Bangladesh on Sunday evening (March 30), marking the end of Ramadan.
As a result, Muslims across the country will celebrate the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday (March 31).
The moon was first sighted in Cox's Bazar at 6:29pm. Fahmida Begum, Deputy Director of the Islamic Foundation in Cox's Bazar, confirmed the sighting to Jago News.
This year, the holy month of Ramadan concluded after 29 days, and as per Islamic tradition, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, immediately following the month of fasting.
In an official statement, it was announced that based on reports from district administrations, the head office of the Islamic Foundation, divisional and district offices, the Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Center, the Shawwal moon has been confirmed to have been sighted across Bangladesh. Consequently, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed nationwide on Monday.
After a month-long observance of fasting, Muslims in Bangladesh are now preparing to celebrate with joy and gratitude. Preparations for Eid congregations have been finalized across the country, including in the capital, Dhaka.
While Bangladesh will celebrate Eid on Monday, Saudi Arabia and several Middle Eastern countries have already marked the occasion on Sunday, following their own moon sightings.
Similarly, some districts in Bangladesh—including Chandpur, Satkhira, Madaripur, Sunamganj, Pirojpur, Shariatpur, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Patuakhali, Faridpur, and Sherpur—have opted to celebrate Eid on Sunday in line with Saudi Arabia.
As part of the festivities, thousands of people have left Dhaka via rail, road, and waterways to reunite with family and loved ones in their hometowns, leaving the capital unusually quiet.
This year, the main Eid congregation in Dhaka will take place at the National Eidgah on the Supreme Court premises at 8:30 am. Meanwhile, five separate Eid-ul-Fitr prayer sessions will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, as is customary.
With all preparations complete, the nation eagerly awaits the joyous celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr.