Eid brings happiness

Bangladeshi Muslims are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan with visible happiness.

Tens of thousands gathered on Tuesday to pray together in numerous Eidgahs or special grounds dotted across the country.

Eid, which translates to feast, is meant to be shared with family and friends after a long month of restraint and fasting.

President Md Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Leader of the Opposition Raushon Ershad have all greeted the people for Eid.

President Hamid, top politicians have offered prayers alongside citizens of all age and origin at the main National Eidgah Maidan adjacent to the Supreme Court.

Five more congregations with one hour intervals were held at the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram starting from 7am.

The Met Office had warned of rain on Tuesday, but it could not disrupt the capital’s main congregation due to proper arrangements.

The largest gathering, like every year, was at Kishoreganj’s historic Sholakia Eidgah Maidan.

Hundreds and thousands prayed there from 10am with sermon by Imam Mawlana Fariduddin Masoud.

Two special trains – Sholakia Special – carried people to the ground over the distance.

A large number of Dhaka residents have left their city homes to be with family during the holidays.

Thirteen people have died in accidents on way back home but dislocations due to the rush have been rather managed well this year.

The Shawwal moon has been seen, the Islamic Foundation announced on Monday evening, and the mood quickly turned into that of festive joy.

Reports of moon-sighting came in from Sherpur, Rajshahi and Rangpur before the committee could begin its meeting.

National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s song “Romzaner oi rojar sheshe...”, always an indispensable part of Eid for generations, could be heard playing from homes and neighbourhood alleys.

On Monday, Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen and Libya observed Eid.

Almost a hundred Bangladesh villages in Chandpur, Munshiganj, Patuakhali, Chittagong, Bhola, Dinajpur also celebrated Eid on Monday like the Arab states.