Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated with devotion, joy

The celebratory spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr swept across the country as people on Saturday observed the festival, one of the biggest religious occasions of the Muslim community, with devotion and joy.

Rising above political affiliations and economic backgrounds, people from all walks of life celebrated the holy occasion together, creating a unique atmosphere this year. After a long interval, this Eid marked the first major religious celebration following the country’s transition to democracy.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended Eid prayers together at the National Eidgah in Dhaka at 8:30am. They stood side by side to perform the prayers, marking the first time in over three and a half decades that a President and a Prime Minister have offered Eid prayers together at the National Eidgah Maidan.

Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, judges of the Supreme Court and High Court Divisions, cabinet members, political leaders, diplomats, and senior government officials also attended the congregation.

The historic ground of Sholakia hosted its 199th Eid-ul-Fitr congregation at 10am, with over six lakh devotees in Kishoreganj. Following a century-old tradition, the prayers began after a series of blank shotgun fires. Similarly, thousands gathered at Gor-e-Shahid Maidan (South Asia’s largest Eid field) in Dinajpur at 9am.

After the prayers, President Mohammed Shahabuddin exchanged Eid greetings with eminent personalities at Bangabhaban, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman shared greetings with diplomats and people from all walks of life at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Meanwhile, in Chattogram, the main congregation was held at Jamiatul Falah Mosque, drawing over 20,000 devotees. In Sylhet, thousands converged at the historic Shahi Eidgah Maidan at 8:30am. In Rajshahi, the main prayer was held at Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R) Central Eidgah at 8:00am.

Despite concerns over seasonal north-westerly storms, the skies remained clear as high-ranking officials and local residents joined in prayer. Elsewhere, Khulna held its main congregation at the Circuit House Ground, while Barishal and Rangpur saw thousands gather at their central Eidgahs and model mosques, all marked by tight security and a shared hope for peace and prosperity.

Tourist hotspots such as Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata witnessed a surge of visitors, with the world’s longest sea beach drawing large numbers of tourists throughout the Eid holidays.

Families and holidaymakers flocked to Dhaka’s green spaces, with Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan transforming into vibrant hubs of activity as people enjoyed the rare, congestion-free city air. Similar scenes were seen at Zia Udyan, the Biman Bandar (Air Force) Museum, and Toggi Fun World at Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, where parents and children gathered in large numbers to make the most of the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.