The government has urged Muslims to offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayer at mosques instead of Eidgahs to contain the spread of Covid-19 as Bangladesh grapples with the second wave of the virus. Eid prayers are traditionally offered in open places and attended by thousands of people. As Ramadan began on April 14, the Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest festivals of the Muslims, will likely be celebrated on May 13 depending on moon sighting. In a circular on Monday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that considering the risk to lives, the worshippers are requested to hold congregations at mosques instead of open places. Several congregations can be held at the mosque if necessary, it said, noting that carpets won’t be allowed to be laid out on the floor. Before the prayers, the mosques should be completely disinfected and worshippers would have to bring separate prayer mats from their homes. The latest decision required greater sanitation and social distancing measures. The elderly, children and those suffering from disease won’t be allowed to attend the prayers. All worshippers must wear masks and cannot use scalp caps kept in the mosques. Legal action will be taken if the directives are violated, the ministry warned. The directive comes as the country grapples with the second wave of Coronavirus. Bangladesh registered 97 more Covid-19 deaths on Monday with 3,306 new cases.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of Muslims, will be celebrated in the country on Monday as the Shawwal moon was not sighted in Bangladesh sky on Saturday.

The government on Thursday urged Muslim devotees to avoid Eidgah or other open places for Eid congregations and offer prayers at mosques maintaining recommended health advice.