Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The Muslims across the country are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of sacrifice, on Saturday with due solemnity and religious fervour.
The main congregation of Eid-ul-Azha held at the National Eidgah in the capital Dhaka at 8.30 am attended by President Zillur Rahman, Chief Justice of Bangladesh Justice Md Mozzammel Hossain, cabinet members and other high officials and distinguished personalities.
Beside, five Eid congregations were held at 7.00 am, the second one at 8.00 am, third at 9.00 am, fourth at 10.00 am and fifth Jamaat at 10.45 am (local time) at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital Dhaka.
The Eid congregations were also held at different mosques and eidgahs in the capital and elsewhere in the country, with the biggest congregation at historic Sholakia Maidan in Kishoreganj.
Important public buildings, thoroughfares and road islands of the capital have been decorated with national flags and banners inscribed with 'Eid Mubarak.' Major government buildings have also been illuminated.
Highlights of the day include preparing the finest meals derived from respective cuisines, to be shared amongst family, friends and those who are less privileged.
In separate messages, President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia conveyed Eid greeting to the Muslims in Bangladesh and all over the world
On this day, the 10th of Zilhajj some 4,000 years ago, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) 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 Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed.
More importantly, the Muslims allover the world slaughter sacrificial animals during the three-day Eid 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).
On the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha, newspapers published special supplements, while Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels and radio stations are airing special programs.
A three-day holiday, earlier announced by the government, began on Friday.
Special meals are being served at jails, orphanages, vagrant centres and dormitories on the day.
Additional contingents of law enforcers have been deployed at different strategic points to ensure safe celebration of the festival.
BBN/SSR/AD-27Oct12-3:10 pm (BST)
