Another year has passed and the holy Eid-ul-Azha has come again. The holy Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated across the country on Thursday, June 29.  Bringing the message of peace, harmony and joy, this festival is celebrated by Muslims with due religious dignity and solemnity.  At the end of the Eid congregation, devout muslims sacrifice their beloved animals according to their ability in the hope of receiving the grace of Almighty Allah. On this day, many of the Muslims will go to the cemetery after Eid prayers. Stand next to the graves of the departed relatives and pray to Allah for the forgiveness of their souls. Eid-ul-Azha is a festival commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), his wife Hajera and son Ismail.  This sacrifice is not only an animal sacrifice, but a sacrifice of one's animality, pettiness, selfishness, inferiority and pride.  Although Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of the Arabic Zilhaj month, according to religious rules, animal sacrifice can be performed on any day of the 10th, 11th and 12th of this holy month. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages expressing sincere congratulations and blessings to all the Muslims of the world including the countrymen.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has conveyed his warmest greetings to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina and to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the holy festival of Eid al-Azha. In his letter, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the sacred festival of Eid ul-Azha serves as a strong reminder of the values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood.  He also noted that the bonds between the people of India and Bangladesh are forged in the shared history, cultural kinship as well as sacrifices of people on both sides.  He expressed his confidence that the holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha will bring our people even closer.

On the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended heartfelt greetings and wishes to all Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world.  Prime Minister stated, "Eid-ul-Azha teaches us these lessons: Peace, solidarity, sacrifice, and sense of brotherhood. In her message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha PM Hasina said, "Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) had established an unparalleled example by sacrificing his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (peace be upon him) for the sake of Allah, which we, the muslims are follow and will follow forever as a ritual.. She added, "Every year, devout muslims establish a bond of empathy and equality among their relatives. poor and distressed people by distributing their sacrificial animals meat. Sheikh Hasina said, "Let the Muslim community's practice of sacrifice, self-purification, self-discipline, harmony, and love prevail in individual, family, social, and national life. May every person's life be filled with happiness and joy of Eid." Emphasizing the essence of Eid-ul-Azha, she called upon everyone to actively participate in welfare-oriented activities from their respective positions, contributing to the creation of an inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful Digital Bangladesh.  Prime Minister expressed her hope, saying, "Like every year, joy and happiness will reach everyone's life through this Eid."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the holy Eid-Ul Azha, being celebrated today in the country. In a letter sent to Sheikh Hasina on the eve of Eid-Ul Azha, Modi wrote, "I have the pleasure to wish you, your family and the fraternal people of Bangladesh Eid Mubarak."   He added, "As our people prosper, this festival reminds us of the virtues of sacrifice and sharing, especially with less fortunate members of our societies, whose interests have been of priority to both of us and our Governments."   The Indian premier said, "Our shared commitment to intensify the excellent cooperation and partnership between India and Bangladesh is one of the most important means through which we can continue to deliver inclusive growth for all our citizens, despite an increasingly complex and challenging international environment."   "I look forward to discussing these and other issues when we meet in New Delhi in a few weeks' time," he added   He ended the message, saying "Please accept, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration and my personal good wishes again for Eid- Ul Azha." Source: BSS AH

The holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated across the country tomorrow with due solemnity and religious fervor. Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of Zilhajj month of the Hizri calendar as Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), on this day, some 4,500 years ago, offered to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS), who willingly submitted to the will of his father to please Allah. But the Almighty in His benign mercy spared Hazrat Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed. To commemorate this historic event, the Muslims across the country will offer prayers in congregations and sacrifice animals in the name of Almighty Allah. They will offer munajat seeking divine blessings for peace, progress and prosperity of the country as well as welfare of the Muslim Ummah. President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, greeting the Muslims in Bangladesh and all over the world on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha. The main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah near the High Court Bhaban in the capital at 8am, said Islamic Foundation (IF). Eid congregation will be held at the historic Sholakia ground in Kishoreganj this year in a break of 2 years due to Covid-19 pandemic. Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shamim Alam told BSS that Islamic scholar Mawlana Farid Uddin Masud will conduct the Eid jamaat at 9 am. A total of five Eid congregations will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The first Jamaat will be held at 7am to be conducted by Hafez Mufti Maulana M Mizanur Rahaman, senior pesh Imam of the mosque, said a press release of IF. Hafez Mufti Muhibullah Baki Nadvi will conduct the second Eid Jamaat at 8 am and the third one will be conducted Islamic Foundation's Mufassir Dr Mawlana Abu Saleh Patwari at 9 am.   Baitul Mukarram mosque Pesh Imam Maulana Mahiuddin Kashem will conduct the fourth Jamaat at 10am while the fifth Jamaat will be conducted by IF's Mufti Mawlana Mohammad Abdullah at 10.45am. Organizers said adequate water supply and security arrangements have already been made at the Baitul Mukaram National Mosque to facilitate the Eid-ul-Azha prayers. Eid Jamaat will be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament at 8am while Chief Whip of Parliament, whips, cabinet members, lawmakers and Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat officials and employees and devotees will join the jamaat there. In the Dhaka University, two Eid Jamaats will be held at university central mosque - Masjidul Jamiya - at 8am and 9am. Senior Imam Dr Syed Muhammad Emdad Uddin will conduct the first Jamaat while second one will be conducted by senior imam Hafez Mawlana Najir Mahmud. Adequate security measures have been taken for peaceful and smooth celebration of the holy Eid-ul-Azha. The law enforcement agencies were also asked to ensure smooth movement of vehicles on highways, waterways and train routes. State-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar as well as other TV channels and radio stations would broadcast special programmes on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha. On the day, improved diets will be served to inmates of government hospitals, prisons, orphanages, safe homes and shelter centers. On July 7, the government issued a circular with eight instructions, including maintaining the health rules, during the prayers. The guidelines included no illuminating will be allowed on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations, everyone has to perform ablution at respective residences before going to Eidgah or mosque, soap or hand sanitizer must be kept at the place of having ablution (wadukhana) at mosque or Eidgah to prevent the coronavirus infection, a worshiper (musulli) must wear mask and should not use the prayer mat (Jainamaz) and cap earlier kept in mosques. While performing Eid prayers, they must maintain a gap maintaining the health rules and social distancing, Musullis will have to stand keeping one row gap in prayers, Khatibs, imams, mosque management committees and local administration have been requested to offer doa to the Almighty Allah after the holy Eid-ul-Azha prayers to save the country and its people from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, Khatibs, imams and mosque management committees and local administrations have been requested to ensure the proper execution of these health guidelines, in the case of animal sacrifice (slaughtering the sacrificial animals), the instructions of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock have been asked to follow properly. The local administration, law enforcement agencies, people's representatives, officials and employees of the Islamic Foundation and the management committee of the concerned mosques have also been requested to execute the directives of the government. Source: BSS AH

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today greeted countrymen as well as the Muslims across the globe on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Azha. On the eve of the day, they issued separate messages praying that the holy Eid-ul-Azha brings good for all with the rise of the ideology of sacrifice. In his message, the President said: "Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) has set an incomparable example of love, obedience and sacrifice to Allah by taking steps to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) at the directive of Allah." "Azha means Qurbani (sacrifice)," he said, adding that sacrifice instills the spirit of self-sacrifice into all and also teaches them the spirit of sharing happiness and sorrow with relatives and neighbors. The President said this year the Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated at a time when the world community is distraught witnessing a catastrophe arisen out of coronavirus pandemic as many people are in hardship at different parts of the world, including Bangladesh. In the last two years, the whole world, including Bangladesh, celebrated Eid-ul-Azha amidst the horrors of the corona pandemic, the head of the state said. "Coronavirus infections are under control at present but there is a need to take appropriate precautions to prevent future infections," he added. He urged the affluent people of the country to stand by the people affected by the coronavirus pandemic so that they can enjoy the holy Eid. The President also called upon the citizens to sacrifice their animals in government designated places. He hoped that everyone will try to prevent the environment pollution by removing the waste of sacrificial animals after Qurbani. In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: "On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, I am extending my greetings to all the Muslims across the globe, including Bangladesh. I want to say 'Eid Mubarak' (to all)." Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also called upon the Muslims to be imbued with the spirit of the holy Eid-ul-Azha to participate in welfare-oriented activities to establish a discrimination-free, happy, prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh. She said the unique instance set by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) by sacrificing his dearest thing for the satisfaction of Allah will be imitated and followed forever. Through the festival, the capable Muslims establish the bonding of sympathy and equality among the mankind by distributing meat of their sacrificial animals among relatives and neighbors, she added. Noting that the coronavirus is becoming dangerous again, she said: "Allah tests patience of human being in crisis. During this time, we will have to extend cooperation to one another keeping endless patience with tolerant and sympathetic mindsets." She greeted the countrymen and the Muslims in the world on the occasion and hoped that like every year, this Eid will bring happiness and joy to all irrespective of the rich and the poor. Sheikh Hasina prayed to Allah for continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country and Muslim Ummah on the holy day. Besides, she urged all to sacrifice their animals in designated places following health guidelines properly. Source: BSS AH

Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated across the country on July 21 (Wednesday), as the crescent moon of the Arabic month of Zilhaj of 1442 Hijri was sighted in the sky of Bangladesh on Sunday.   The National Moon Sighting Committee came up with the decision in the evening at a meeting held at the Islamic Foundation's conference room in the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital, said an Islamic Foundation press release.   State Minister for Religious Affairs and Chairman of the National Moon Sighting Committee Md Faridul Haque Khan presided over the meeting, it said.   The Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th day of Zilhaj month of the lunar calendar as Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), on this day, offered to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) who willingly submitted to the will of his father to please Allah some 4,500 years back.   But the Almighty in His benign mercy spared Hazrat Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed.   To commemorate this historic event, the Muslims all over the world slaughter sacrificial animals and draw inspiration from the unique example of sacrifice to please Allah as shown by two great prophets -- Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his son Hazrat Ismail (AS).   On the occasion, the Muslims across the country will offer prayers in congregations and sacrifice animals in the name of Almighty Allah.   They will offer munajat seeking divine blessings for getting rid of the global pandemic coronavirus and peace, progress and prosperity of the country as well as the welfare of the Muslim Ummah. Source: BSS AH

The holy Eid-ul-Azha, one of the greatest religious festivals of Muslim Ummah, was celebrated today in a somber mood due to the coronavirus pandemic across the country. Muslims celebrated the Eid festival, in line with the government’s directives, including maintaining physical distancing, avoiding mass gathering and abiding by the health rules as the country, like almost all other world states, is at risk of the fatal COVID-19 outbreak. The people had kept themselves confined in their limited respective vicinities and offered prayers at only their nearest mosques. President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, greeting Muslims in Bangladesh and all over the world on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha. They also urged the affluent and able people in the society to stand by the flood-and-Corona affected people of the country. Besides, opposition leader in parliament Begum Raushan Ershad also greeted the nation on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul Azha. The Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of Zilhajj month of the Hizri calendar as Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), on this day, some 4,500 years ago, offered to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) who willingly submitted to the will of his father to please the Almighty Allah. But Allah in His benign mercy spared Hazrat Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed. To commemorate this historic event, the Muslims all over the world slaughter sacrificial animals and draw inspiration from the unique example of sacrifice to please Allah as shown by two great prophets -Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS). The festival appeared very unlikely to resemble that of previous years as many countries banned the traditional Eid congregations as part of anti-coronavirus measures. The head of the state offered prayers of Eid-ul-Azha, the greatest religious festival of Muslims, with his family members and some important officials at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. The Eid jamaat (congregation) was held at 9:30 am. Pesh Imam of Bangabhaban Jame Mosque Mufti Maulana Saiful Kabir conducted the Eid prayers. A special munajat was offered seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country and welfare of the people as well as the Muslim Ummah. Like other mosques throughout the country, special doa was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of those who died of the fatal COVID-19, also wishing early recovery of the infected ones throughout the country as well as across the world. Doa was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the county and its people in different democratic movements, particularly during the Liberation War in 1971. After the prayers, President Hamid spent time with his family members at the Presidential palace. The main congregation (jamaat) of Eid-ul-Azha was held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the city at 7am by maintaining health code in view of the ongoing cronavirus pandemic. Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Senior Pesh Imam Hafez Moulana Mizanur Rahman led the first Eid jamaat there. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Religious Ministry’s Secretary M Nurul Islam, DSCC Chief Executive Officer Shah M Imdadul Haque and Director General (DG) of Islamic Foundation Anis Mahmud, among others, took part in the namaz. A total of six Eid congregations were held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The first one was held at 7am, second at 8am, third at 9am, fourth at 10am and the last one at 10.45am. Meanwhile, two Eid congregations were held at the Dhaka University campus – one at DU central mosque and others is at Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall Jame Mosque – – at 8am, maintaining the health rules. Besides, three Eid congregations were held at Gulshan Central Mosque – at 6 am, 8 am and third one at 10 am. An Eid congregation was held at Rajarbagh Police Lines Central Jame Mosque at 8 am where Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Benazir Ahmed offered his prayers. At Mirpur Kazipara Central Jame Mosque, three Eid jamaats were held respectively at 7am, 8am and 8:45 am Adequate security measures have been taken for peaceful and smooth celebration of the holy Eid-ul-Azha. The law enforcement agencies were also asked to ensure smooth movement of vehicles on highways, waterways and train routes. Meanwhile, millions of people left the capital and other major cities to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones in their village homes. State-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and other TV channels and radio stations are broadcasting special programmes on the Eid-ul-Azha. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today greeted all Freedom Fighters (FFs) of the country on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival of the Muslims. Like other occasions, the premier sent flowers, fruits and sweetmeats to the war-wounded freedom fighters (FFs) and members of the martyred families at Martyred and War-wounded Freedom Fighters’ Rehabilitation Centre (Muktijoddha Tower-1) at Gaznavi Road in the capital’s Mohammadpur area as a mark of her good wishes for them. PM’s Assistant Private Secretary-2 Gazi Hafizur Rahman Liku, Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon and Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwar-e-Alam Sarkar handed over these items to them this morning. The war-wounded FFs and members of the martyred families thanked and expressed gratitude to the prime minister for remembering them on every national day and festival like the Independence Day, the Victory Day, Eid and Pahela Baishakh. They prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage. They also wished the prime minister good health and a long life. Source: BSS AH

Muslims in Bangladesh are set to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on Saturday when the country is grappling with Covid-19 outbreak and hundreds of thousands of people are passing a hard time trapped in floodwater. Muslims celebrate the Eid-ul-Azha on the 10th of Zilhaj to commemorate the true spirit of sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). On this day, some 4,000 years ago, Prophet Ibrahim had offered to sacrifice his son Ismail, who willingly submitted to the will of his father to please Allah. But the Almighty in His benign mercy spared Hazrat Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed.  This year, Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in a different scenario without any outdoor programme and Eid Zamaats at Eid grounds across the country due to coronavirus pandemic. The government has undertaken different safety measures to ensure that the celebration doesn’t accelerate virus transmission. The government urged Muslim devotees to avoid Eidgah or other open places for Eid congregations and offer prayers at mosques maintaining recommended health advice. The Ministry of Religious Affairs came up with the call from an inter-ministerial virtual (online) meeting organised on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha on July 12. This year, the main congregation of Eid will be held at Baitul Mukarram national mosque instead of the National Eidgah following the hygiene rules considering the corona infection situation. The government suggested disinfecting mosques before the Eid prayer and not rolling out carpets on the floors. The devotees have been asked to bring prayer mats from home. Besides, arrangements should be made at the entrances of the mosques for washing hands. They must wear masks inside mosques and avoid using prayer mats and caps that were stored earlier there. Children, elderly people, people with physical ailment, and those involved in taking care of the sick will not be allowed to attend the Eid prayer. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has issued specific guidelines over sacrificing animals. Local administrations, law enforcement agencies, public representatives, staffers of the Islamic Foundation and managing committees of mosques will implement the directives. Six Eid-ul-Azha congregations will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque from  7am on the Eid day. After the first jamaat, the second one will be held at 7:50am while the next four jamaats will be held at 8:45am, 9:35am, 10:30am, and 11:10am. The President and the Prime Minister will address the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. On this occasion, the national flag will be hoisted in government, private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad. It has been also decided to display the banner emblazoned with "Eid Mubarak" in important traffic islands of Dhaka city. Besides, certain government buildings and important military buildings will be illuminated. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private media will broadcast special programs with due importance and newspapers will publish special supplements. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha celebrations, arrangements will be made to serve special diets in all hospitals, prisons, government maternity hospitals, old homes and drug rehabilitation centers in the country. Special measures will be taken to maintain law and order. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure that the environment is not polluted by the blood and waste material of the sacrificed animal after the qurbani. However, amid the risk of virus infection thousands of people have already left the capital to celebrate the very auspicious occasion with their near and dear ones at their respective village homes. The country witnessed 28 deaths from coronavirus on Friday, the lowest since June 1, when 22 people died of Covid-19 in a day. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh’s officially confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 2,37,661 with the detection of 2,772 new patients in the last 24 hours. Besides, 2,176 patients recovered, taking the number of recovery to 135,136. The recovery rate is 56.86 percent. A total of 2,928 people have so far died from the virus. Floods hit vast swathes of Bangladesh amid the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of people are being forced to live under the sky as floods wreak havoc on the cropland, wash away fish enclosures and trigger large scale erosion, putting livelihoods at risk. Source: UNB AH