DHAKA: The holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of the Muslims, is being celebrated across the country today (October 16) with the Muslims saying prayers in congregations and sacrificing animals in the name of Almighty Allah.
The Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of Zilhajj of the Hizri calendar to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who on this day some 4,000 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 Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed.
To commemorate this historic event, the Muslims all over the world slaughter sacrificial animals and draw inspiration from the example of sacrifice to please Allah as shown by two great prophets -- - Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).
The government has taken elaborate programmes to observe Eid-ul-Azha across the country with due solemnity and religious fervour.
The celebration will begin with Eid congregations across the country followed by sacrifice of cattle in the name of Allah.
Meanwhile, millions of people have left the capital and other major cities to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones in the countryside.
A three-day Eid holiday began on October 15 following another holiday marking the Durga Puja on October 14.
State-run BTV and private television channels are broadcasting special programmes on Eid.
The national flag kept hoisted atop government and non-government buildings and roadside poles to mark the festival.
Important public and private buildings would be illuminated in the capital city befitting traditional outdoor illumination.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begum Khaleda Zia issued separate messages, greeting the Muslims in Bangladesh and all over the world on the occasion of Eid-ul Azha.
On the day, improved diets will be served at government hospitals, prisons, orphanages, safe homes and shelter centers.
Underprivileged children of society can visit all children parks under Dhaka City Corporation without ticket and visit Dhaka Museum.
BDST: 1026 HRS, OCT 16, 2013
SR/JCK
