Situated on the northern bank of Norsunda River, Sholakia hosted the largest Eid congregation in the country and thousands of devotees from other districts joined them. This year, it was supposed to host the 193rd congregation.

The Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest festival of the Muslims, is scheduled to be celebrated at the end of May.

But the outbreak of highly contagious coronavirus has changed everything. It has forced the district administration to call off the congregation this time.

The decision was taken following the restrictions on Eid congregation imposed by the Islamic Foundation to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

On May 14, the government urged Muslim devotees to avoid Eidgah or other open places for congregations and offer prayers at mosques maintaining recommended health advice.

Kishoreganj Eidgah managing committee President and Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Murshed Choudhury confirmed the matter on Friday. The decision was taken in a meeting with Islamic scholars and Religious Affairs Ministry on Thursday, he said.

Read also: Govt suggests offering Eid prayer at mosques

Last year, the largest Eid congregation of the country was held at Sholakia Eidgah Maidan with participation of thousands of devotees, DC said.

Bangladesh has been seeing a surge in confirmed coronavirus cases in recent weeks. On Friday, the health authorities confirmed 1,202 new cases, raising the total to 20,065.

Read also: Coronavirus cases in Bangladesh exceed 20,000; 15 more die

During the period, 15 more people died, taking the death tally to 298, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.