Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Monday as Shawwal moon was not sighted at any place in the country’s 64 districts, said Md Nurul Islam, secretary to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee on Saturday evening after reviewing the information of Shawwal moon sighting.

This year, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in a different scenario without any outdoor programme and Eid Zamaats at Eid grounds across the country due to coronavirus pandemic.

The government urged Muslim devotees to avoid Eidgah or other open places for Eid congregations and offer prayers at mosques maintaining recommended health advice.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued an emergency notification on May 14 in this regard, saying the decision was taken due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

An aerial view of Jum’a prayer offered at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque maintaining distance. Photo: UNB

“Although the Islamic Sharia encourages offering Eid prayer at Eidgahs or open places, the devotees are now requested to offer their prayers at nearby mosques due to the coronavirus situation,” the notification said, adding that there can be several Eid zamaats, if necessary.

It also suggested disinfecting mosques before the Eid prayer and not rolling out carpets on the floors.

The devotees have been urged to bring prayer mats from home. Besides, arrangements should be made at the entrances of the mosques for washing hands, the notification added.

Members of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society seen spraying disinfectants after the devotees left the mosque. Photo: UNB

The devotees must wear masks inside mosques and avoid using prayer mats and caps that were stored earlier there.

Children, elderly people, people with physical ailment, and those who are involved in taking care of the sick will not be allowed to attend the Eid prayer.

Apart from these, the devotees were requested to shun handshaking and hugging after the prayer which has been a common practice throughout the world.

Muslims devotees offering Jum’a prayer at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Photo: UNB

However, amid the risk of virus infection thousands of people have already left the capital to celebrate the very auspicious occasion with their near and dear ones at their respective village homes.

Television channels and radio stations will telecast special programmes on the occasion of Eid.