Published : 27 May 2026, 06:13 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:47 PM
Muslims in at least 23 villages of Satkhira are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha in line with the timing for Saudi Arabia. Festivity is in the air amid Eid prayers, animal sacrifices, and various religious activities.
The main Eid congregation was held at 7:23am on Wednesday at the Kushkhali Baukhola Jame Mosque in Sadar Upazila, led by Maulana Mohabbat Ali.
He said that besides residents of Kushkhali Baukhola and nearby areas such as Islamkati, Goalchatar, Bhadra, Ghona, Bharkhali, Mirgidanga, and Mahmudpur, as well as people from distant places joined the Eid prayers from at least 23 surrounding villages.
From early Wednesday morning after Fajr prayers, residents embraced one another and energy filled the air as children adorned in new clothes frolicking around, people became busy with the ritual sacrifices of animals, and exchanges of Eid greetings.
Ali Hossain, a resident of Goalchatar village in Kalaroa Upazila, said: “We left for the mosque with our family before 6am. It feels great to participate in the congregation at the scheduled time. After the prayers, we started preparing for the sacrifice.”
GM Hasan Mahbub, who came from Paikgachca Upazila in Khulna, said: “We were already certain about the moon sighting calculations. That is why we believe celebrating Eid on the same day as Saudi Arabia is correct. Based on that belief, we came here from far away.”
During the Eid sermon, Maulana Mahbubur Rahman said, “Muslims observe Eid-ul-Azha with the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness. Sacrifice for the sake of Allah is one of the most important acts of worship for the Muslim Ummah.”
He further said, “We started fasting a day earlier in accordance with Saudi Arabia. Following that continuity, we are also celebrating Eid-ul-Azha accordingly.”
Although celebrating Eid on a different day from the rest of the country has sparked local debate and criticism, participants claim they organise the event based on their religious beliefs.
Maulana Mohabbat Ali, imam of Baukhola Jame Mosque, said: "If the Hijri New Year is counted on the same day around the world, then it is logical to celebrate Ramadan and Eid on the same day."
On the other hand, Maulana Abu Saleh said they have been observing both Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha according to Saudi Arabian timing for nearly a decade and a half.
He also called for maintaining unity and brotherhood among the Muslim Ummah.
