Muslims across Bangladesh are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most significant religious festivals in Islam, with due solemnity, devotion, and a spirit of sacrifice.

The main Eid congregation in Dhaka was held at 7:30am at the National Eidgah ground, adjacent to the High Court. Several other congregations took place across the country, including major gatherings in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.

The country’s largest Eid congregation was held at the Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj at 9:00am under strict security arrangements.

Eid-ul-Azha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to divine command. The day began with special prayers followed by the ritual sacrifice of animals. The meat is being distributed among family members, friends, and the poor.

This year, approximately 12.4 million animals were prepared for sacrifice, according to Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, who shared the figure at a press briefing on 4 May at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

To ensure public health during the festival, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare urged citizens to wear masks in crowded areas amid a rise in COVID-19 cases. The elderly and the sick have been advised to avoid such gatherings.

In the capital, both Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) launched extensive waste management operations to clear sacrificial waste. Around 10,000 workers have been deployed by each city corporation, with cleanup efforts beginning on the afternoon of Eid. DSCC Administrator Shahjahan Mia assured that waste would be removed within 12 hours.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali stated that 500 night patrol teams and 250 daytime teams have been mobilised across the city to maintain law and order during the relatively quiet holiday period.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents have left Dhaka to celebrate Eid with their families in different regions. The government-declared 10-day Eid holiday, which began on Wednesday, will continue until 14 June. During this time, all government and private offices, banks, and factories will remain closed.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and the global Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

In Kishoreganj, the 198th Eid-ul-Azha congregation at Sholakia drew worshippers from across the country. The prayers were led by Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Saifullah, Khatib of Boro Bazar Jame Mosque. Special prayers were offered for peace and prosperity in Bangladesh and across the Muslim world.

To accommodate worshippers travelling from distant districts, Bangladesh Railway operated two special trains—‘Sholakia Special’—from Mymensingh and Bhairab. Security was tight at the venue, where only prayer mats, caps, and face masks were allowed. Medical teams and volunteers were on hand to assist devotees.

Additionally, thousands of Muslims in districts including Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Moulvibazar, and Jamalpur observed Eid on Friday in accordance with the Saudi Arabian calendar.