Ramadan to begin in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday

Usually, Ramadan and Eid are observed in Bangladesh a day after Saudi Arabia

Muslims in Saudi Arabia and the majority of Arab nations will begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday, following the sighting of the new crescent moon.

Arab News said the moon was sighted in the Saudi skies on Tuesday evening.

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar will also commence Ramadan on Wednesday, according to Khaleej Times.

A decision over the start of Ramadan in Bangladesh is expected on that evening.

The National Moon Sighting Committee will convene at the Islamic Foundation’s meeting room at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque to make the formal announcement.

The meeting will be chaired by the new religious affairs minister at the Islamic Foundation headquarters.

Officials will review reports of moon sightings from across the country to determine the start date of the fast.

Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr generally occur in Bangladesh a day after they are observed in Saudi Arabia.

The Islamic Foundation has requested anyone who spots the Ramadan moon to report it via the following telephone numbers: 02-41053294, 02-226640510, and 02-223383397.

Alternatively, citizens may contact their local deputy commissioner (DC) or Upazila administrator (UNO).

If the moon is sighted on Wednesday, the month of Ramadan will officially begin in Bangladesh on Thursday.

In this case, Muslims will perform the Taraweeh prayers on Wednesday night and observe the first fast after consuming the pre-dawn meal.