Muslims across the country celebrated Eid-ul-Azha by saying prayers and slaughtering sacrificial animals on Friday. After the prayers, they exchanged eid greetings with friends and neighbours saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ (Have a blessed Eid). The well-off Muslims sacrificed cows, goats or other animals, keeping a portion for themselves and distributing the rest to friends, family and the needy, commemorating the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AH). The largest eid congregation was held at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj where over 1 lakh devotees took part. A munajat was held after the Eid congregation seeking divine peace for the mankind, country’s progress and the unity of the Muslim ummah. The devotees also prayed for salvation of the departed souls of those killed in a stampede in Mina of Makkah on Thursday while performing hajj. The venue and its adjoining areas reverberated with the word ‘Ameen’ uttered by the devotees raising their hands in supplication. In the capital, the main eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises at 8am. President Abdul Hamid offered the eid prayers at the National Eidgah. The President also hosted a reception to senior government officials, city elite and diplomats at Bangabhaban marking the occasion. Several million people left the overpopulated city to celebrate eid with their families in villages, braving the hassles of travel as a three-day eid holiday began on Thursday. However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina celebrated the eid in New York while BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in London. Sheikh Hasina went to New York to attend the 70th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Khaleda Zia went to London for her eye treatment and celebrated Eid-ul-Azha there with her family members. Earlier on Thursday, the eid was celebrated at different places in Munshiganj, Sylhet, Barisal, Bhola, Jhalakati and Barguna districts in line with the celebrations in Saudi Arabia. — UNB
