The holy Eid-ul-Azha, one of the grandest religious festivals of the Muslim community, is being celebrated across the country on Thursday with profound religious fervor, solemnity, and joy.

Commonly known as the "Qurbanir Eid," the festival is being observed in the true spirit of devotion, sacrifice, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah.

Early this morning, millions of Muslim devotees flocked to Eidgahs and mosques nationwide to offer their Eid prayers.

During the congregations, religious scholars and khateebs delivered sermons highlighting the historical significance of Qurbani and the timeless teachings of sacrifice in Islam.

Following the completion of the prayers, worshippers embraced and exchanged Eid greetings, further strengthening the bonds of fraternity, peace, and social harmony.

On the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended their warm greetings to the countrymen through separate formal messages.

Leaders of various political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, also conveyed their Eid wishes to the nation.

The main Eid congregation in the capital was held at the National Eidgah, adjacent to the Supreme Court High Court Division premises.

The President, the Prime Minister, supreme court judges, foreign diplomats, senior political leaders, and people from all walks of life stood side by side to offer their morning prayers.

Law enforcement authorities implemented rigorous security measures surrounding the National Eidgah ground to ensure an uninterrupted assembly.

Marking the joyous occasion, state broadcasters Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, alongside private television networks and radio stations, are airing a wide array of special programs.

Additionally, improved and festive meals are being served to the residents of hospitals, orphanages, prisons, and government child development centers.

Immediately after concluding their prayers, Muslims across the country began sacrificing animals, seeking the divine blessings of Almighty Allah.

The sacred practice of Qurbani commemorates the supreme devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who stood prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in absolute obedience to Allah’s command.

In recognition of his faith, Almighty Allah miraculously replaced Hazrat Ismail (AS) with a sacrificial animal, forever symbolising the ultimate spirit of faith and selflessness.

Eid-ul-Azha remains intrinsically linked with the annual holy Hajj pilgrimage.

The festival was observed in Saudi Arabia and many other countries around the world yesterday, following the successful completion of the major Hajj rituals at Mount Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina by the pilgrims.

All public, semi-government, and private offices are currently observing a long vacation.

The government declared a weeklong holiday starting from May 25 to facilitate hassle-free travel and allow citizens to celebrate the festival seamlessly with their families.

However, all essential emergency utility services—including hospitals, healthcare clinics, fire service and civil defence, electricity, water, gas, internet, and postal services—remain fully operational throughout the vacation, with personnel working in shifts to ensure uninterrupted services.

Meanwhile, media organizations have announced a five-day Eid holiday, which means there will be no traditional newspaper publications in the country from May 27 to May 31.

To ensure comfortable and smooth homebound journeys for the public, the government enforced several logistical measures, including keeping all CNG refueling and filling stations open around the clock.

Transport authorities have also issued strict warnings of immediate legal action against any passenger harassment or travel-related extortion during the festive rush.