Preparations have been completed at the historic Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj where the largest Eid congregation is set to take place as usual during this Eid-ul-Azha.

The 198th Eid-ul-Azha congregation at Sholakia Eid Maidan will be led by Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Saifullah.

A four-tier security system has been put in place involving the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the army.

Special trains from Bhairab and Mymensingh have also been arranged for the convenience of people.

Already the authorities concerned have marked prayer rows, cleared weeds and filled small holes with soil to ensure a smooth surface for the congregation.

Deputy Commissioner and President of the Sholakia Eidgah Management Committee Fauzia Khan said two special trains named Sholakia Express will operate between Bhairab-Kishoreganj and Mymensingh-Kishoreganj on Eid day to facilitate travel.

Arrangements have also been made by the district administration for food and accommodation for people coming from distant areas.

Security personnel from the army, BGB, police, RAB and intelligence agencies will be deployed in plain clothes to ensure foolproof security.

Executive magistrates will be on duty to manage any untoward situation.

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Police said that extensive measures are in place to ensure a secure and smooth Eid congregation.

The entire ground and its surroundings will be under a security blanket.

Besides, CCTV cameras, watchtowers, archways and metal detectors will be placed at entry points while drones will also be deployed for aerial surveillance.

Several watchtowers have been erected to maintain surveillance with snipers and other personnel positioned accordingly. As in previous years, drones and binocular surveillance systems will also be used.

The Sholakia Eidgah was established in 1828 by Dewan Haybat Khan Bahadur, the sixth descendant of the legendary Isha Khan and founder of the Kishoreganj zamindari, on nearly seven acres of land on the banks of the Narsunda River.

The first Eid congregation at the site drew around 1,25,000 Muslims which gave rise to the name "Soa Lakhi Maath".

Over time, the name evolved into the present-day “Sholakia.”

More than 2,00,000 devotees offer prayers together at this site.

The Eidgah has 265 rows and spans nearly seven acres, making it one of the most prominent religious venues in the region.

Due to the field's reputation and legacy, thousands of devotees from distant districts and even foreign countries participate in Eid congregation  here.

The number of attendees has been steadily increasing each year.