The holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of the Muslims, is being elebrated across the country today (August 1) with due solemnity and religious fervor.

The Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of Zilhajj month of the Hizri calendar as Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), on this day, some 4,500 years ago, offered to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) who willingly submitted to the will of his father to please Allah. But the Almighty in His benign mercy spared Hazrat Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed.

To commemorate this historic event, the Muslims across the country offer prayers in congregations and sacrifice animals in the name of Almighty Allah. They offer munajat seeking divine blessings for peace, progress and prosperity of the country as well as welfare of the Muslim Ummah.

Muslims are celebrating the Eid-ul-Azha festival following strict health rules considering the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the world including Bangladesh.

Muslims around the world are celebrating the festival with millions under strict stay-at-home orders and many fearing renewed coronavirus outbreaks.

The government officials and employees have been asked to stay their workstations during the Eid holiday.

President Abdul Hamid performed Eid prayers in a mosque inside Bangabhaban.

A total of six Eid congregations were held at the National Baitul Mukarram Mosque celebrating the Eid-ul Azha.

President Abdul Hamid is expected to exchange Eid greetings with the cross sections of people, including eminent citizens and diplomats at his official Bangabhaban residence.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also exchange greetings with the cross sections of people, including party leaders and workers, judges and foreign diplomats, at her official Ganabhaban residence.

Important public and private buildings will be illuminated in the capital and other cities. National flag and banner with the inscription of words ‘Eid Mubarak’ have been hoisted at public and private buildings and different important points in the capital and other cities across the country.

Besides, improved diets are being served to inmates of government hospitals, prisons, orphanages, safe homes and shelter centers.

Necessary security measures have been taken for peaceful and smooth celebration of the holy Eid-ul-Azha. The law enforcement agencies were also asked to ensure smooth movement of vehicles on highways, waterways and train routes.