Staff Reporter :The holy month of Ramzan is beginning today (Friday) in Bangladesh amid religious solemnity. The month of the fasting began in Saudia Arabia and some other countries yesterday (Thursday). Ramzan is a time of restraint and austerity, and also a time for inner reflection, devotion to the Almighty Allah and self-control. Lailatul Qadr, the night of divine blessings and benediction, will be observed on July 14.The office hours have been changed for Ramzan, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM for government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous organisations. A 15-minute prayer break will be from 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM during the month. The government has fixed the new office timing.Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia greeted the Muslims of the country and elsewhere in the world on the occasion.In his message, the President termed Ramzan the month of self-purification as it brings a rare opportunity for the Muslims to get close to the Almighty Allah and having his forgiveness.He hoped that all would realise the sanctity and significance of holy Ramzan and reflect those in their personal and social life and contribute towards building the society.The PM in her message congratulated the Muslims on the occasion of Ramzan and said it is an opportunity for purifying the souls and getting close to the Almighty Allah through learning of making sacrifice.She urged all to establish peace, fraternity and harmony, being imbued with the teaching of Ramzan shunning greed, hatred, indiscipline and friction.BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia hoped that the holy month would bring the message of peace and happiness to the lives of Muslims. She said that the holy month teaches the Muslims a great lesson to refrain from indulging in all types of misdeeds, including jealousy, division, unjust, repression and greed and illegal desire. “Following this teaching, we must take a vow to make us as good human being.” Sheikh Hasina will take her first Ifter with orphans and war-maimed freedom fighters at Gono Bhaban. Khaleda Zia will take her Iftar with orphans and alem-ulema (Islamic scholars) at the city’s Ladies Club. Nearly 200 orphans, including boys and girls, from different orphanages in the capital as well as Islamic scholars from various areas have been invited at Khaleda Zia’s Iftar party.
