The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant religious festivals for the Muslim community, will be celebrated across Bangladesh on Saturday (tomorrow).

The announcement followed a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held on Thursday evening at the Islamic Foundation's meeting room within the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, where it was officially confirmed that the Shawwal moon of 1447 Hijri was not sighted in the country's sky on that day.

Religious Affairs Minister and National Moon Sighting Committee President, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), briefed reporters after the session, noting that as the moon remained unseen, the month of Ramadan will complete its 30-day cycle on Friday.

The primary Eid-ul-Fitr congregation in the capital is scheduled to take place at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises at 8:30 am.

Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, has been designated to lead the prayers, while Dr. Maulana Md. Abu Saleh Patwari, a Mufassir for the Islamic Foundation, will stand by as an alternate imam.

State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam, confirmed during a morning inspection of the grounds that the President and the Prime Minister are expected to join the main congregation at 8:30 am.

They will be accompanied by the Chief Justice, cabinet members, Supreme Court judges, prominent political figures, and high-ranking civil and military officials.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is organizing the event at the National Eidgah, and Administrator Md Abdus Salam stated that the venue has been prepared to accommodate approximately 35,000 devotees.

Specific arrangements have been made to ensure women can also participate in the prayers. Security will be a top priority, with a multi-layered deployment involving the Police, RAB, and other law enforcement agencies, while the Special Security Force (SSF) will manage the safety of VVIPs.

To facilitate the large gathering, the perimeter has been cordoned off, new ablution (wudu) taps have been installed, and separate entry gates have been designated for VVIPs and women.

For those praying at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, a series of five consecutive congregations will be held starting from 7:00 am, followed by sessions at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 10:45 am.

These prayers will be led respectively by Senior Pesh Imam Maulana Mizanur Rahman, Pesh Imam Mufti Muhibbullahil Baqi Nadvi, Islamic Foundation Deputy Director Maulana Md. Zakir Hossain, Imam Training Academy Instructor Maulana Zobayer Ahmed Al Azhari, and Mufti Maulana Mohammad Abdullah.

Additionally, Maulana Shahidul Islam will be available as an alternate imam if required.

Elsewhere in the city, the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban will host an Eid congregation at 8:00 am for Members of Parliament, secretariat staff, and local devotees, with separate arrangements for women.

Authorities have urged all participants to arrive on time and fully prepared, preferably having performed their ablution beforehand.

Due to strict security protocols, devotees are requested not to carry bags or any items other than prayer mats, mobile phones, and umbrellas.

Eid-ul-Fitr, which translates from Arabic as the "festival of breaking of the fast," signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar dedicated to spiritual reflection and fasting from dawn to dusk.

The day is traditionally marked by communal prayers, the exchange of greetings, and visits to the homes of friends and relatives.

Beyond the festive atmosphere where children receive "Salami" (cash gifts) and new clothes, the occasion serves as a profound time for seeking forgiveness, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for the strength to complete the fast, and engaging in acts of charity to support the less fortunate.