Muslims across the country celebrated Eid-ul-Azha with due religious fervour and spirit of sacrifice on Monday. Eid-ul-Azha is the second largest religious festival celebrated by Muslims to commemorate the act of prophet Ibrahim attempting to give up the life of his dearest son prophet Ismail as a proof of his devotion to Allah. Millions of Muslims attended the Eid-ul-Azha congregations seeking divine blessings for peace, progress and prosperity of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah. Following the prayers, well-to-do Muslims sacrificed cattle and shared the meat with relatives, neighbours and poor people. About 70 lakh cattles are sacrificed across the country during Eid-ul-Azha, according to a government estimate. The largest Eid congregation was held at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj district. Lakhs of Muslims offered prayers there seeking divine blessings for the country’s peace and progress. In the capital, the main Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah near the High Court at 8:30am. Five Eid congregations were also held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am and 11am. The national flag was hoisted atop government and non-government office buildings on the day, while special diets were served in hospitals, jails and orphanages on the occasion. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina exchanged Eid greetings with party leaders, workers, professionals, distinguished personalities, diplomats, judges and a cross-section of people at her official residence Ganobhaban in the morning marking the holy Eid-ul-Azha. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia also hosted an Eid reception at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre where she exchanged greetings with party leaders, diplomats, noted citizens and professionals. —- UNB
