The holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi, commemorating the birth and death of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), observed across the country on Wednesday with due religious reverence and solemnity.

On this day in 570, the 12th of Rabiul Awal of the Hijri calendar, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Makkah with divine blessings and messages of peace for mankind. He also passed away on the same day.

The government and various other organisations were taken elaborate programmes to mark the occasion with due respect.

The national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government and autonomous offices, as well as private buildings.

As in previous years, the government decorated important roads and key locations in the capital with national and colourful flags and banners inscribed with the Kalima Tayyiba.

The Islamic Foundation had organised various religious and cultural programmes including Qirat, Naat recitations, poetry readings, cultural competitions and an Arabic Khutba writing contest.

Islamic Foundation organised a month-long Islamic book fair at the south plaza of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and other electronic media outlets broadcast special programmes, while newspapers were expected to publish special supplements on the occasion.

Bangladesh missions abroad also observed the day with due solemnity and respect.

Meanwhile, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages extending greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion.

In his message, the President said the Prophet (PBUH), through his life and deeds, set outstanding examples of truth, justice, forgiveness, compassion and respect for human dignity.

“He established the rights of orphans, the poor, the helpless and the deprived. He also gave clear guidance on ensuring the rights of women, children, neighbours and working people,” he said.

In a world devastated by war, conflict, violence, inequality and intolerance, the Prophet’s ideals of peace, justice, tolerance, love and humanity are more relevant than ever, Mirza Fakhrul said.

He urged all to draw inspiration from the Prophet’s teachings and pledge to shun violence, hatred, division and injustice and work towards building a just society and state founded on peace, harmony, equality and humanity.

In his message, the Prime Minister called upon people to follow the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to build a peaceful, just and humane society.

He said the Prophet’s life is a living embodiment of the teachings of the Quran and that he set outstanding examples of honesty, trustworthiness, justice, forgiveness, tolerance, compassion and charity.

Tarique Rahman said the Prophet (PBUH) upheld human dignity and rights by transcending divisions based on race, ethnicity, tribe, language and social status.

Referring to ongoing crises around the world, he said wars, conflicts, violence, inequality, intolerance and moral degradation were disrupting peace, security and normal life. “In such a time, the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) on peace, justice, compassion, forgiveness and humanity are highly relevant,” he said.

The Prime Minister urged people to incorporate those teachings into their personal, family and social lives, saying mutual respect, compassion, tolerance and a sense of justice are essential to building a peaceful, just and humane Bangladesh.

He also prayed for peace, justice, equality, prosperity and humanity in Bangladesh and across the world.