The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated across the country on Tuesday if the moon of Shawwal month is sighted in the Bangladesh sky today (Monday).The National Moon Sighting Committee will sit in a meeting at the Islamic Foundation’s Baitul Mukarram office this evening to review the information of sighting of the Shawwal moon.As per the decision of the panel, the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated either on Tuesday or on Wednesday amid religious fervour and enthusiasm after a month-long fasting.Meanwhile, responding to the pull of roots, thousands of people have already left the capital to celebrate the very auspicious occasion with their near and dear ones at village homes. Many more are expected to set out for home today (Monday).Besides, all preparations have been completed across the country, including the capital Dhaka and Sholakia in Kishoreganj, for smooth holding of Eid congregations.The largest Eid congregation will be held at Sholakia Eidgah of Kishoreganj district at 10am when lakhs of Muslims will offer prayers seeking divine blessings, peace and progress for the country.In the capital, the main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah near the High Court at 8:30am. Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Prof Maulana M Salahuddin will conduct the prayer. President Abdul Hamid is expected to join the congregation.In the case of inclement weather, the main congregation will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9am, according to an official announcement.Besides, five congregations will be held at 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am and 11am at the National Mosque.Arrangements will be there at the National Eidgah and the National Mosque for the women to take part in the Eid prayers alongside their male counterparts.Eid congregations will also be held in eidgah, mosques and open spaces allover the country.The national flag will be hoisted atop government and non-government office buildings on the day. The main city streets and road islands will be decorated with the national flags and banners inscribed with ‘Eid Mubarak’ in Bangla and Arabic.National dailies will bring out supplements on the occasion. Television channels and radio stations will telecast special programmes on the occasion.Special diet will be served in hospitals, jails, government child families, Chotomoni Nibash, centres for persons with disabilities, shelter homes, orphanages, Vagrant Welfare and Destitute Welfare centres.President Abul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages greeting the people on occasion.In his message, the President said after a month-long siam practice, Eid-ul-Fitr brings messages of pure joy and pleasure for the mankind. “Eid builds ties of harmony, amity and unity among people of all classes and professions.”He hoped the teachings of Eid-ul-Fitr will inspire all in building a good and prosperous society.In another message, the Prime Minister said Eid teaches us about peace, sympathy and brotherhood. She called upon all for reflecting the teachings of Eid in all spheres of personal, social and national life.She expressed the hope that Eid will bring the message of joy for all irrespective of their economic status. Hasina also prayed for continued development, progress and peace of Bangladesh as well as the Muslim Ummah.In a separate message, Khaleda Zia prayed for happiness, peace, development and progress of the Muslim Ummah, including Bangladesh.President Abdul Hamid will arrange a reception at Bangabhaban at 10am on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.Meanwhile, tight security measures have been taken to ensure smooth Eid congregations throughout the country.
