Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The holy Shab-e-Barat or the night of fortunes is being observed across the country on Thursday night with devotees seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind and the Muslim Ummah.

Muslim devotees were offering special prayers, recitation from the holy Quran, holding milad mahfil, zikr, and other religious rituals to mark the occasion with due solemnity.

They were also visiting the graveyards of their relatives and Muslim saints and distributing sweets and homemade foods among the poor, their neighbours, friends and relatives.

On the occasion, the Islamic Foundation and other religious and socio-cultural organizations held Qurankhwani, milad mahfil and discussions.

Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels aired special programs, while newspapers published articles highlighting the significance of the night, also called Lailatul Barat.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) imposed a ban on carrying all types of firearms, explosives and other harmful objects, and explosion of fireworks and crackers in the city from 6:00pm Thursday until further order to maintain the sanctity of Shab-e-Barat.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-07August09-1:06 am (BST)