The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, will be observed in Bangladesh on Friday night with religious fervour.

It is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha'ban. According to Muslim belief, it is the night when Allah arranges the affairs of the following year. On this night, Allah writes the destinies of all his creations for the coming year by taking into account their past deeds.

Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, reciting from the Holy Quran, and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on the bursting of firecrackers in areas under its jurisdiction in the capital ahead the holy Shab-e-Barat.

The ban will come into force from 6pm Friday (March 18) and remain effective till 6am on Saturday (March 19), for ensuring peaceful observation of the holy Shab-e-Barat, the DMP said on Wednesday. 

Also read: DMP bans crackers ahead of Shab-e-Barat

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of the night.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion. They urged the Muslim devotees to observe the holy Shab-e-Barat maintaining all Covid-safety protocols amid the pandemic.

"Along with mercy and blessings of the Almighty Allah, we will pray for continued progress and welfare of the country and greater unity of the Muslim Ummah on the holy night of Shab-e-Barat," President Hamid said in his message.

He urged the affluent to come forward and help the distressed and the poor on the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister urged all to devote themselves to human welfare and nation-building inspired with the teachings of the holy Shab-e-Barat.

Also read: Shab-e-Barat on March 18

Hasina also asked all to establish the spirit of Islam at personal, social and national levels, putting off all kinds of injustice, violence and superstition.