Muslims in Bangladesh are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of sacrifice, a cornerstone of Islamic faith symbolising devotion and selflessness, on Saturday, June 7.
This sacred occasion, marked by heartfelt prayers and the ritual sacrifice of animals, unites communities in reverence and gratitude.
Worshippers flocked to Eidgahs and mosques nationwide this morning to perform the two units of Eid-ul-Azha prayers, seeking to please Allah through acts of sacrifice.
The main congregation was held at the Jatiya Eidgah on the High Court premises in Dhaka at 7:30am.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, judges from both divisions of the Supreme Court, and other dignitaries were present.
Thousands of people from all walks of life, including political leaders, senior government officials, diplomats from Muslim countries, and ordinary citizens, joined the prayers.
The Eid prayers was led by Hafez Maulana Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while Muhammad Habibur Rahman, Muazzin of the same mosque, served as the Qari.
After the prayers, a special munajat was offered, seeking peace, prosperity, and good health for the nation. The chief adviser also sought prayers from the congregation for the welfare of the country and its people.
Besides the National Eidgah, five Eid congregations were held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The first began at 7:00am, followed by others at 8:00am, 9am, 10:00am, and 10:45am.
A total of 1,621 mosques and 118 Eidgahs in Dhaka hosted Eid prayers this year. Separate congregations were also arranged by the Shia and Ahmadiyya communities at eight locations.
Security is paramount, with robust measures in place. The National Eidgah features CCTV surveillance, a temporary police control room, and barricades at key entry points—Matsya Bhaban Crossing, National Press Club, and High Court Crossing. Worshippers will enter through four gates for men and one for women, with archway searches ensuring safety.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police has coordinated a comprehensive security system to protect all attendees across the city’s sacred sites.
The 198th Eid-ul-Azha congregation at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj, one of the largest Eid gatherings in the country, took place at 9:00am under tight security measures.
Eid-ul-Azha, observed on the 10th of Zilhajj, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. On this day, Muslims perform the congregational Eid prayer and offer Qurbani (sacrifice of animals), following the tradition of the Prophet.
In line with the lunar calendar and geographical positioning, Bangladesh is celebrating Eid a day after Saudi Arabia and several other countries.
UNB contributed to this report.