Holy Eid-ul-Azha, the largest religious festival of Muslims, is being celebrated in Bangladesh with religious fervour and festivity on Thursday.

The main Eid-ul-Azha congregation was held at the National Eidgah at 7:30am, with the participation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Eid congregations are being  held at other Eidgahs and mosques across the country.

Religious scholars and khateebs are delivering sermons focusing on the significance of Qurbani and the values of sacrifice, compassion, and obedience in Islam.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, have greeted the nation on the occasion.

In a video message on Wednesday evening, the Prime Minister said holy Eid-ul-Azha has once again arrived at the doorsteps of the Muslim Ummah with the message of sacrifice, piety and self-purification.

“I extend my greetings on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Azha to Muslims in Bangladesh and across the world. I also wish all people of the country, regardless of political belief, religion or ethnicity, a happy Eid. Eid Mubarak,” he said.

A seven-day government holiday began on Monday.

However, doctors and nurses involved in measles treatment and emergency healthcare services will remain outside the holiday schedule, as their Eid leave has been cancelled to ensure uninterrupted medical care.

Besides, emergency services, including hospitals, healthcare, fire service, electricity, water, gas, internet, media and postal services, will remain operational during the holidays.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has intensified security measures surrounding the National Eidgah to protect the lives and property of city residents and ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid.

Speaking to the media after inspecting preparations at the National Eidgah, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed on Wednesday said that only 10 to 15 percent of police personnel in Dhaka Metropolitan City have been granted leave due to heightened security arrangements for Eid.

Government, semi-government, and autonomous institution buildings have been illuminated marking the festival.

State-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, along with private television channels, are broadcasting special programmes to celebrate the occasion.

Special meals will also be served at hospitals, orphanages, prisons, and child care centres.

After Eid prayers, Muslims will perform Qurbani, sacrificing animals in remembrance of the devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah’s command.

According to Islamic belief, Almighty Allah later replaced Ismail (AS) with a sacrificial animal, symbolising unwavering faith and sacrifice.