Calls to make sacrifices as Muslims in Bangladesh celebrate Eid-ul-Azha

Muslims in Bangladesh are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha on Saturday, with the Islamic teaching of sacrificing all the evil within through the slaughtering of cattle.

A few hundred villages, however, commemorated the Eid on Friday  in keeping with a tradition of commemorating all religious festivals with Saudi Arabia.

Many hoped for a longer spell of holidays this year as the Eid days coincide with weekly holidays, but no such announcement buried the rumours finally.

Hundreds of thousands are celebrating the Eid with families and loved ones at their ancestral homes, deserting capital Dhaka for a few days.

No big road traffic accidents happened on the way home. The passengers alleged sufferings on roads while train and launch journeys were more comfortable than before.

The main Eid congregation has been held at National Eidgah Ground in Dhaka at 8am. President Md Abdul Hamid, Cabinet members and other VVIPs joined the main congregation.

Baitul Mukarram National Mosque has organised five Eid prayers from 7am to 11am.

Another congregation has been held at parliament's South Plaza at 7:30am.

The city corporations in Dhaka have also organised prayers at 180 places in the north and 228 in the south.

The authorities have prepared the largest congregation ground in Kishoreganj's Sholakia with emphasis on security after the terror attack on police during last year's Eid-ul-Fitr.

After the prayers, people will slaughter the cattle. Dhaka South Mayor Sayeed Khokon said the cleaners will remove the wastes within 24 hours.

The Met Office forecast rain on the Eid day, raising concerns about sufferings during the prayers and slaughtering.

The cattle traders were returning home happy after sale peaked on the eve of the Eid following days of dull business.

The Dhaka city corporations have also designated 1,174 spots with imams, butchers, sheds and water for slaughtering the cattle to avoid pollution from wastes.

President Hamid greeted the people in a message on the Eid. He urged all to use the essence of the sacrifice in their personal and social lives. 

He also urged all to be alert to any attempt to foil the Eid joy through misinterpretation of Islam. "The main message of all religions is welfare of the people," he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message urged the citizens to work for making Bangladesh a prosperous nation.

"Eid gives us a unique education of peace, sympathy, sacrifice and brotherhood. So, let's come to establish a happy, prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh free from discrimination by participating in the welfare-oriented activities and realising the essence of Eid-ul-Azha," she said.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Raushon Ershad wished all happiness and hoped the people will celebrate the Eid with the essence of sacrifice.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia urged all to forget differences on the occasion. She also called for more efforts in helping the flood victims.

President Hamid will exchange Eid greetings with the people at the Bangabhaban and the prime minister at the Ganabhaban.

On the occasion of the Eid, special menus will be served at state-run hospitals, children’s homes, shelters, safe homes and jails.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and other private TV and radio stations are broadcasting special programmes. The newspapers will also bring out special supplements.