More than 50 villages in Chattogram began observing the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday, aligning their fasting with Saudi Arabia based on reported moon sighting in the Arab world.
Followers of Mirzarkhil Darbar Sharif in Satkania upazila initiated the fast after performing Tarawih prayers on Tuesday night and partaking in sehri before dawn. The Darbar’s adherents have maintained the longstanding tradition of observing Ramadan in accordance with Saudi Arabia for nearly 200 years.
According to sources at the Darbar, devotees across several villages in Satkania, Lohagara, Banshkhali, Anwara, Patiya, Boalkhali, Hathazari, Sandwip, Raozan and Fatikchhari upazilas began fasting on Wednesday. Collectively, the number of followers observing Ramadan in these areas is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.
Confirming the matter, Darbar spokesperson Mohammad Masudur Rahman said that the decision was taken after receiving confirmation of the moon sighting in Makkah and Madinah, as well as other parts of the Arab world.
“As followers of the Hanafi school of thought, we observe Ramadan in line with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
In addition to Chattogram, followers in districts including Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Chandpur, Dhaka, Munshiganj, Narsingdi, Kishoreganj and Sirajganj also began fasting on the same day. Devotees residing abroad, including in India, Pakistan and Myanmar, joined in the observance.
Nurul Kabir Chowdhury, a devotee of the Darbar and former teacher of Mirzarkhil High School and College, said the entire community began the holy month together. He added that followers also celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha in alignment with Saudi Arabia each year, continuing a tradition passed down through generations.
MDIH/MHK