National Eidgah set for main Eid congregation, 5 at Baitul Mukarram

The country’s main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation will be held at the National Eidgah at 8:30am on the Eid day while five separate congregations are scheduled at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Subject to moon sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated in Bangladesh on 20 or 21 March.

Extensive cleaning, erection of pandals and enhanced security measures have been completed across the vast grounds in preparation for the main Eid congregation.

Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, will lead the prayers at the National Eidgah with Maulana Md Abu Saleh Patwary, Mufassir of Islamic Foundation serving as the alternate imam, said a press release of Islamic Foundation.

At Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, five Eid congregations will be held in succession at 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, and 10:45am.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to join the main Eid prayers at the National Eidgah, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam told reporters on Monday.

The Eidgah ground covering about 25,400 square metres can accommodate around 35,000 devotees at a time.

Separate entry points and prayer arrangements have been ensured for women.

A large pandal has been set up across the ground, alongside adequate fans, lighting and air-conditioning facilities arranged to ensure a comfortable environment for devotees.

Considering the possibility of bad weather, rain protection coverings and special drainage systems have also been installed.

Drinking water will be available at entry points and inside the Eidgah.

If the weather becomes unfavourable, the main Eid congregation will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9am.

Besides, an Eid congregation will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 8am on the Eid day.

Members of Parliament, officials and employees of the Parliament Secretariat and local Muslim devotees are expected to take part in the congregation.

This year, separate arrangements have been made for women to offer prayers.

The central Eid congregation of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will be held at 8am at the old Trade Fair ground adjacent to China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Center in Agargaon.