The Holy Ramadan, the lunar month of self-purification through fasting and abstinence, begins today in the country, report agencies.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

It is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayers, fasting, giving to charity and religious devotion.

During the holy month, all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions will follow new office timing as announced by the government.

All these offices will remain open from 9:00am to 3:30pm with a 15-minute prayer break from 1:15pm to 1:30pm during the month.

Meanwhile, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia greeted the countrymen and all Muslims across the world with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

In his message, President Abdul Hamid said the holy Ramadan is the month of self-restraint, self-rectification and obtaining forgiveness.

“As the Ramadan is the month of Rahmat (mercy), Barkat (blessing), Maghfirat (forgiveness) and Najat (salvation), it brings a unique opportunity of getting closer to Allah, attaining peace and forbearance,” the President added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Ramadan is the month for purification of souls through sacrifices and it creates scopes for getting closer to the Almighty Allah.  She called upon all to be inspired with the teachings of the holy month of Ramadan and establish peace, amity, brotherhood and fraternity in personal and social lives, shunning luxury, malice, violence and conflicts.

The premier urged all to maintain sanctity of the Ramadan by showing the sense of proportion, patience and restraint in all spheres.