Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The people of Bangladesh are celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of the Muslims, on Monday with due solemnity and religious fervour.

The main congregation of Eid-ul-Azha held at the National Eidgah in the capital Dhaka at 8.00 am attended by President Zillur Rahman, chief justice, 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 Dhaka.

President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the people of the country on the occasion.

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.

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).

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.

BBN/SSR/SI/07Nov11-10:56 am (BST)