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Published : 26 May 2026, 07:07 PM
Kishoreganj’s historic Sholakia Eidgah is making final preparations for its 199th Eid-ul-Azha congregation, with authorities tightening security and arranging special trains to carry worshippers to one of Bangladesh’s largest prayer gatherings.
With Eid to be celebrated on May 28, workers are busy cleaning the grounds, painting row markers, and draining water under the round-the-clock supervision of the district administration, police, and the Eidgah committee.
Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner and the Eidgah Committee President Sohana Nasrin inspected the venue on Wednesday.
"Line marking and wall painting are already complete. If everything goes smoothly, we expect a peaceful and festive congregation at Sholakia," Sohana said.
"Following the tradition that began in 1828, Sholakia is set to host its 199th Eid-ul-Azha congregation this year."
The main congregation will begin at 9am, led by Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah, the Khatib of the Borobazar Mosque in Kishoreganj town.
The start of the prayer will be signalled by firing shotgun blanks -- three shots 15 minutes prior, two 10 minutes prior, and the final 5 minutes before the prayers begin.
Bangladesh Railway will operate two special trains, named the Sholakia Express, on the Eid day.
According to Kishoreganj railway authorities, one special train will depart Bhairab at 6am and reach Kishoreganj at 8am.
Another train will leave Mymensingh at 5:45am, arriving at the venue at 8:30am.
Both trains are scheduled for return trips at 12pm.
Dewan Haibat Khan Bahadur established the prayer ground on 2.83 hectares of land in 1828.
According to researchers, the Eidgah came to be known as Shoa Lakhi Math -- field of 125,000 -- as many people had taken part in the first congregation there.
The pronunciation of the name gradually changed over time to Sholakia.
