Bangladesh marks Eid with prayers for peace and end to war

After the prayers, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman greeted worshippers gathered behind the security cordon at the National Eidgah

The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation at the National Eidgah in Dhaka has concluded with a prayer for peace and an end to the war in the Middle East that erupted during Ramadan.

After leading the prayer on Saturday morning, Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, made a special supplication for the protection of people affected by conflict and unrest around the world.

He also prayed for peace to be established globally and for Muslims to be given the strength to face all circumstances in unity.

Mufti Malek asked for those facing oppression to be moved to safety and prayed for the ability to stand beside people devastated by war and support them.

He also sought protection from sin, injustice and wrongdoing, and prayed for acceptance of all acts of worship.

After the prayers, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with worshippers who had attended the congregation.

He then moved towards crowds gathered beyond the VVIP security cordon and shook hands with people there, as many began calling out “Eid Mubarak”.

The premier was seen moving along the bamboo security barrier, greeting worshippers from the other side, while the crowd thickened around three sides of the enclosure.

He continued exchanging greetings as he moved from the southern side towards the north, through which he later left the Eidgah ground.

Members of his security detail were on alert throughout.

During the prayers, Tarique stood to the right of President Md Shahabuddin.

The prime minister entered the Eidgah ground at 8:23am, shortly before the president arrived.