Bangladesh Celebrates Eid-ul-Azha with Religious Fervor and Spirit of Sacrifice

Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, with due religious solemnity, festivity, and the spirit of sacrifice.

Known as the second largest religious festival of the Muslim community, Eid-ul-Azha — also called the Festival of Sacrifice — symbolizes devotion, compassion, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. For generations, the occasion has reflected the ideals of selflessness and faith among Muslims worldwide.

On Thursday morning, worshippers across the country gathered at Eidgah grounds and mosques to offer Eid prayers. Before the prayers, khatibs highlighted the significance of Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, in their sermons. Muslims from all walks of life stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer and exchanged Eid greetings afterward.

In Dhaka, the main Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah Ground at 7:30 a.m. President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, members of the cabinet, Supreme Court judges, political leaders, foreign diplomats, and thousands of worshippers participated in the congregation.

Special prayers were offered after the Eid prayer seeking peace, prosperity, and well-being for the country, the nation, and the global Muslim community. The congregation, organized by the Dhaka South City Corporation, was led by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Meanwhile, the first Eid congregation at the national mosque Baitul Mukarram was held at 7:00 a.m., followed by additional congregations at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and the final one at 10:45 a.m.

Another Eid congregation was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building at 7:30 a.m.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Barrister Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, officials and staff of the parliament secretariat, and people from different walks of life attended the prayer gathering.

Before the prayers, the Deputy Speaker and the parliament secretary extended Eid greetings to the public. The Deputy Speaker also prayed for peace and well-being for oppressed Muslim communities around the world.

Separate prayer arrangements were made for women as well.

Following the prayer and khutbah, a special munajat was conducted seeking peace, happiness, prosperity, and welfare for the country, the nation, and the entire Muslim Ummah. The prayer was led by Qari Abu Raihan, the Pesh Imam of the National Parliament Secretariat.

Visits to different areas of the capital showed that residents became busy with animal sacrifices immediately after Eid prayers. Imams, muezzins, and students from various madrassas took part in the slaughtering process.

Neighbors were seen helping one another with the sacrifices. Animals were sacrificed on roadsides in front of homes, inside garages, and in open fields.

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private television channels aired special programs. Improved meals were also officially served at hospitals, prisons, orphanages, and children’s shelters.

Sacrifices can continue until Asr prayers on Saturday, the second day after Eid. According to Islamic tradition, one-third of the meat should be distributed among the poor and needy, one-third among relatives and friends, and the remaining portion kept for the family.

Saudi Arabia celebrated Eid-ul-Azha on Wednesday in accordance with the Hijri calendar. Pilgrims there performed key Hajj rituals in Mina, including animal sacrifice, after returning from Muzdalifah.

Following Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting, several villages in different districts of Bangladesh, along with many countries around the world, also observed Eid-ul-Azha on Wednesday.