Online Desk :   The holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of Muslims, was celebrated across the country on Saturday with due solemnity, religious fervor, and joy. Eid-ul-Azha, observed on the 10th day of Zilhajj of the Hijri calendar, commemorates the event that took place around 4,500 years ago, when Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) offered to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in devotion to Allah. In His infinite mercy, Allah spared Hazrat Ismail and sent a ram to be sacrificed instead. Muslims across the country marked the day by offering Eid prayers in congregations at Eidgahs, mosques, and residences, followed by the ritual sacrifice of animals in the name of Allah. Munajat was also offered, seeking divine blessings for peace, progress, and prosperity of the country and the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.

The main congregation was held at the Jatiya Eidgah on the High Court premises at 7:30 am. Among those offering prayers were Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Justice, judges of the Supreme Court and High Court, members of the Council of Advisers, political leaders, senior government officials, and diplomats from various Muslim countries. Law enforcement agencies ensured stringent security arrangements for the safety of worshippers. At Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, five Eid Jamaats were held at 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, and 10:45 am, according to an Islamic Foundation release.

In Kishoreganj, the country’s largest Eid congregation took place at the historic Sholakia Eidgah at 9:00 am, attracting tens of thousands of devotees. Special trains—Sholakia Express—operated on the Kishoreganj-Mymensingh and Bhairab-Kishoreganj routes for the convenience of attendees. In Dinajpur, one of the largest Eid congregations was held at the Gor-e-Shahid Boro Maidan, a 23-acre ground where devotees from across the country gathered for prayers. In Dhaka University, two Eid Jamaats were held at the Masjidul Jamiya on campus.

Eid congregations were also held across mosques and Eidgahs nationwide. Following the prayers, devotees performed animal sacrifices as per tradition, with many continuing the ritual into the second day of Eid. The Dhaka North and South City Corporations began removing sacrificial waste in the afternoon and urged city dwellers to cooperate to ensure proper cleanliness. Security remained tight across the country, with law enforcement agencies maintaining order. State-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, along with private TV channels and radio stations, broadcast special Eid programmes, which will continue for several days. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Chief of Navy Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at State Guest House Jamuna, accompanied by their spouses. To ensure the smooth movement of homebound people, the government directed CNG filling stations to remain open 24 hours during Eid holidays. With a large number of city residents traveling to their hometowns, Dhaka streets appeared deserted, and traffic was notably light, adding to the serene atmosphere of the capital during the festival.