As the city prepares to welcome Eid, Dhaka's residents have immersed themselves in last-minute shopping.  From upscale shopping centres to bustling footpaths, the capital is teeming with eager shoppers making their final purchases. A visit to various markets and street stalls across the city reveals a significant increase in the number of shoppers, particularly after sunset.  Despite having completed most of their Eid shopping, many have realised they still need to buy a few last-minute items, prompting another shopping spree. Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated in Bangladesh on Monday Aira Mumtaha, a resident of Shantinagar, came to Mouchak Market to buy a pair of earrings.  She said, "I thought I had finished all my shopping, but then I realised I hadn't bought earrings to match my dress. So I came out after Iftar, thinking it wouldn’t be too crowded. But the market is absolutely packed." Parveen Akhter, who travelled from Motijheel to Anarkali Shopping Centre, is shopping for a lighter outfit for her daughter. Extra fare collection, fines, and Vigilance Team activity at Mohakhali Bus Terminal on last day of Eid journey "I bought a dress for my daughter at the start of Ramadan when the weather was cooler. But after these last two hot days, I decided to get her a thinner fabric dress. Since I’m already here, I’m also looking for a cotton scarf for myself," she shared. Shopkeepers across the city confirm the overwhelming turnout of shoppers on Eid eve.  Many had anticipated a quieter evening due to the early holiday start this year, but the surge of customers since sunset proved otherwise. Sabbir, a jewellery vendor at City Gold in Mouchak Market, noted, "Small accessories like earrings, rings, and nose pins are selling well. Many customers are matching their jewellery with their outfits." 5 congregational Eid prayers to be held at Baitul Mukarram Another vendor, Shibli, highlighted the demand for household essentials: "It’s not just clothing—towels, tissues, and naphthalene are selling fast.  Many are also buying new bedsheets. Business has picked up significantly this Eid eve." Across major shopping centres, women are also queuing up for traditional henna application, adding to the festive atmosphere. Sumaiya, waiting in line for henna, said, "There are different designs at different prices. The rush has been intense since the evening, and many will still be getting their henna done at midnight." According to shop owners, markets will remain open until 2:00–2:30 am to accommodate the last-minute rush of customers. Meanwhile, the city's footpaths see a larger crowd of male shoppers.  Shamim, purchasing jeans from a street vendor in Rampura, mentioned, "I have a night bus to my village, but my younger brother just called and asked me to bring jeans along with a shirt for him. So, here I am, making another last-minute purchase." Another shopper, Liton, prioritised family over personal shopping. "I always wait until everyone in the family has finished their shopping before I buy anything for myself. Whatever money I have left isn’t enough for branded shirts, so I’m getting a good-quality one from a street vendor." Chuadanga residents dread celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr amid scorching heat Arman, after struggling to find his size at major shopping malls, resorted to street shopping. "I’ve been to Bashundhara and Jamuna shopping centres for two days but couldn’t find a shirt in my size. Most stock has been out for a week. So, I’ve come to the footpath to get one." Mintu, a street vendor on Badda Link Road, shared insights into the importance of Eid eve for small traders.  "The real business for footpath vendors happens the day before Eid. Last Eid, I sold shirts and trousers worth Tk 50,000 on Chand Raat alone. This time, sales are going strong again." As Dhaka’s residents make their final purchases, ensuring they are dressed their best for Eid, vendors too are eager to maximise profits before heading home to celebrate with their families.

The government has announced a timetable for five congregational Eid prayers at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr this year. The first prayer is scheduled to be held at 7am, with the mosque’s Chief Imam Hafiz Mufti Maulana Muhibbullahil Baki in conduction, said a media release sent from Islamic Foundation on Sunday afternoon. The second, third and fourth prayers will be held at 8am, 9am and 10am respectively while the last prayer is scheduled at 10:45am, reads it.   In case any designated Imam is unavailable, Maulana Md. Zakir Hossain, deputy director of the Islamic Foundation, will serve as the alternative Imam.

The main congregation of Eid-ul-Fitr will be held at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises at 8:30 am on the Eid day.However, if weather remains unfavourable or the main congregation is not held at the National Eidgah for any other reason the main congregation will be held at 9:00 am at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting on Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations headed by State Minister for Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain at the Secretariat on Sunday. Eid Weather: Will the skies remain clear or surprise us?A committee comprising representatives from Cabinet Division, Islamic Foundation, SSF, DMP commissioner, Meteorological Department, SPARRSO and Information and Broadcasting Ministry will be formed with Dhaka Divisional Commissioner to take an immediate decision on shifting the main congregation of Eid to Baitul Mukarram Mosque in case of inclement weather.The first queue of the main congregation will be longer than last year so that the VIPs can stand in the first row.Depending on the sighting of the moon, the holy Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 31 or April 1.

Sylhet, renowned for its scenic landscapes and spiritual heritage, is gearing up to host around  15 lakh tourists during the upcoming Eid holidays, with hotels and resorts already nearing full occupancy. The district, celebrated for its picturesque tea gardens, rolling hills, and sacred shrines, is a top destination for holidaymakers. Key attractions such as Jaflong, Sada Pathor, Lalakhal, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Bichnakandi, and Madhabkunda Waterfall are expected to draw massive crowds. Tourists discouraged from visiting Sajek after devastating fire Other notable sites include Jaintia Rajbari, Bir Haor, Lovachara, and the tri-river confluence of Surma, Kushiyara, and Barak Mohana in Zakiganj. Sylhet’s rich cultural and historical landmarks, including Kin Bridge, Ali Amjad’s Clock, Chandni Ghat, the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA), Khadimnagar National Park, and Raja Gour Govinda’s Tila, further enhance its appeal. Authorities have completed clean-up and beautification drives at major tourist spots to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors. Tourism Boom & Business Optimism Mazharul Islam Sadiq, President of the Sylhet Tourist Club, confirmed that most hotels and motels are fully booked. “We anticipate around 1.5 million tourists this Eid,” he said. Faiz Hasan Ferdaus, Acting President of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said extended holiday and suspension of India’s visa services could drive even higher tourist numbers. “About 60-70% of accommodations are already reserved, signaling strong business prospects,” he added. Favorable Weather & Enhanced Security Shah Md. Sajib Hossain, Assistant Meteorologist at the Sylhet Meteorological Office, said the region will experience clear skies and temperatures between 35-36°C during Eid week, offering ideal conditions for travel. To ensure visitor safety, district administrations have ramped up security measures. Ratan Kumar Adhikari, UNO of Gowainghat, said Jaflong’s improved infrastructure will facilitate smoother travel. Over 500 tourists stranded at Sajek amid ‘gunfight’ in Rangamati  

With Eid approaching, the pressure of passengers and vehicles has increased slightly at Manikganj’s Paturia ferry terminal, which connects 21 districts in the southwestern region. The number of passengers using "Kata Line" launch service has also risen significantly. However, as the congestion remains manageable, Eid holidaymakers are crossing the river with relative ease. Additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain discipline. Separate lanes for small and large vehicles have been arranged to ensure smooth ferry boarding. Vising the terminal on Thursday morning the correspondent found  vehicles were boarding ferries without difficulty. However, passengers using the launch service faced some inconvenience as "Kata Line" buses dropped them nearly a kilometer away from the ferry terminal, forcing them to walk the remaining distance. Drivers expressed relief over the hassle-free ferry boarding but they complained about delays in crossing the river. Due to navigability issues, ferries cannot use the main channel directly, they said. Despite the situation being under control on Thursday ferry operators anticipate heavier traffic on Friday which could lead to congestion at the terminal. Preparations underway at Paturia, Aricha ferry terminals as Eid nears Acknowledging the detour issue, Abdus Salam, AGM of BIWTC’s Aricha region, said ferry operations would not be significantly disrupted during Eid travel.  “To ensure a smooth and safe journey for passengers and vehicles, we have increased the number of ferries on the Paturia-Daulatdia route to 17.  Besides, a one-way traffic system has been implemented for about a kilometer at the terminal, with separate lanes for small and large vehicles,” he added. For security alongside regular police personnel, additional forces, including traffic police, Ansar members, and RAB, were deployed. Superintendent of Police Mushammat Yasmin Khatun said law enforcers are keeping a close watch to prevent criminal activities such as pickpocketing, muggings, and doping.  

The Eid journey of holidaymakers will be hassle-free and comfortable this time if the long spell of the Eid-ul-Fitr’s vacation can be utilised properly to address the severe crisis of public transport, observed speakers. Speaking at a discussion titled ‘Ways to overcome concerns of highway robberies, mugging and road accidents during Eid journey,’ organised by Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (BJKS) at the CRAB auditorium at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Monday. No security risk ahead of Eid, Independence Day celebrations: Home Secretary Representatives from Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation, BRTA, Highway Police, civil society and student representatives attended the discussion. Stressing the importance of properly managing the extended Eid holidays, the organisation’s Secretary General Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said around 15 million people would be traveling from Dhaka and surrounding districts to their hometowns during Eid, while an additional 30 to 35 million people would be commuting between different districts nationwide. Around 75% of these travellers would use road transport, 17% waterways, and 8% railways. To minimise travel difficulties, he called for a coordinated effort to prevent passenger harassment, overcharging of fares and incidents of highway robbery, mugging and road accidents. According to the BJKS’s data, 399 road accidents occurred during last year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, resulting in 407 deaths and 1,398 injuries. Police to strengthen vigilance countrywide during Eid: IGP Over the past nine years, Eid-ul-Fitr alone has witnessed 2,377 accidents, claiming 2,714 lives and injuring 7,420 people. The association urged intervention from transport owners’ associations, workers’ federations, police, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to prevent similar incidents this year. Focusing on safety concerns in the railway sector, speakers noted that 83% of coaches and 60% of locomotives were outdated, while 82% of railway crossings remained unprotected, increasing the risk of derailments and accidents, demanding strict action against black-market ticket sales and passenger harassment. Besides, the association called for measures to curb excessive fare collection, passenger harassment at ports, and exploitation by private leaseholders in ferry terminals. Mohammad Saiful Alam, secretary general of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, blamed mismanagement and planning flaws for the rising travel chaos and road accidents, assuring of strict measures to prevent overcharging during Eid travel. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation President Abdur Rahim Box Dudu urged the authorities to regulate battery-operated three-wheelers and motorcycles, emphasising the need for stricter control to ensure road safety. He also vowed that the workers’ federation would stand by passengers and address complaints promptly. BRTA Director Mohammad Shahidullah said that BRTA would enforce strict measures against unfit vehicles and deploy vigilance teams in all 64 districts to monitor fare violations. He emphasised that collaboration among passengers, transport owners, workers’ unions, and law enforcement agencies would ensure a safe and smooth Eid journey. Highway Police DIG (Operations) Md Shafiqul Islam revealed that authorities identified 1,443 people involved in highway robberies and launched operations against them. He informed that 340 operation teams remain deployed across 3,900 kilometers of national highways, urging passengers to keep the highway police hotline handy, assuring a response within 15 minutes. The DIG also encouraged expatriates traveling home with luggage to seek assistance from highway police for added security. Some key recommendations include strict enforcement against unfit vehicles during Eid travel, mandatory high-quality helmets and protective gear for motorcycle passengers and restrictions on carrying luggage on highways, inclusion of Passenger Welfare Association representatives in vigilance teams monitoring fare anomalies, eviction of unauthorised slow-moving vehicles from national highways ten days before Eid to reduce congestion and accidents. The recommendations also include deployment of additional personnel at highway toll plazas to prevent artificial traffic jams, pre-Eid highway patrolling by police and intelligence agencies to prevent robberies and muggings, replacing on-spot vehicle document checks, activation of intelligence agencies to curb passenger harassment, drugging gangs and black-market ticket sales. Speakers at the discussion included former Election Commission Secretary Dr Muhammad Zakaria, women's rights activist and Principal of Dhaka Ispahani College Rafika Afroz, BJKS Publicity Secretary Mahmudul Hasan Russel, and student representative Rezaul Islam were, among others, present at the discussion.

The extended holidays for Eid-ul-Azha have come to an end, and the residents of the capital are starting to return to rejoin work. Having spent the holidays with loved ones, people have begun streaming back into Dhaka, marking the end of a brief period of tranquility in the bustling metropolis. From early morning today, Kamalapur Railway Station witnessed a significant crowd as city dwellers arrived back from their hometowns. Around ten million people had left Dhaka to celebrate Eid with their families, dramatically altering the usual busy atmosphere of the city. Read more: Eid journey was safe this time due to use of speed guns: Bangladesh Police Families, carrying luggage and gifts from their hometowns, were seen disembarking from trains and hailing rickshaws and CNG-run auto rickshaws to reach their destinations.

At least 13 people were dead and 15 others were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a pickup van on the Dhaka-Khulna highway at Sadar upazila in Faridpur district this morning (April 16, 2024). All the victims were passengers of the pickup van, and five of them were from the same family. Two dead, 20 injured in head-on collision between buses in Mymensingh Some of the deceased were identified as Rafiq Mollah, 35, his wife Sumi Begum, 23, his sons Ruhan Mollah, 6, and Habib Mollah, 3, and Rafiq's mother. Rafiq worked as a liftman at a government office in Dhaka. After the Eid holidays, he was returning to Dhaka with his family. The identities of the other deceased could not be known immediately.

Dhaka city is still to get its usual look though the city dwellers have started returning to the capital after holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh. The bustling capital looked empty with most of the roadside shops, shopping malls closed and few public and private vehicles plying the streets in the morning. The government, semi-government, and private offices including banks and financial institutions opened today but there was a low presence of employees. Officials and staff were seen exchanging Eid greetings with colleagues by embracing each other. A small number of buses and private vehicles were seen plying the streets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Firmgate , Dhamondi, Mirpur  and Shahbagh areas in the morning. Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh Md Yousuf, an employee of a private bank, said, “Still a festive environment is prevailing in the city. There is no traffic jam or chaos on streets. It took me only 6 minutes to reach Gulshan from Rajarbagh area by car that usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on the other regular days due to traffic congestion. It’s a temporary relief for Dhaka dwellers.”  On the occasion of Eid, April 10, 11, and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were public holidays. After Eid, there was a weekly holiday on Saturday, April 13, and a Bengali New Year holiday on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh on Sunday, April 14. However, many of the government and private sector workers who went outside Dhaka to celebrate Eid took optional leave. As a result, it will take a few more days to start the proceedings in full swing in the offices, courts, banks, and stock market. Besides, schools and colleges will also open next week. Then the capital will return to normal. Read more: No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fasting and spiritual practice for Muslims. It is a time for celebration, gratitude, and togetherness, often accompanied by elaborate meals and delectable treats. Let's delve into some delightful recipes that will elevate your Eid-ul-Fitr festivities. Mouth-watering Recipes for Eid-ul-Fitr Basbousa Sweet (Semolina Cake) Ingredients For the cake: 1 â…” cup semolina, ½ cup ghee, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup plain yoghurt, ½ tablespoon baking powder, ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (finely shredded), and 0.5 tablespoons tahini (1 tablespoon ghee to brush the bottom) For the syrup: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and nuts for garnishing. Read more: Famous Traditional Sweets and Desserts in Bangladesh Instructions First, preheat the oven to 350 F. Take a deep bowl. Now mix semolina, baking powder, sugar, and coconut. In a separate container, melt ghee and dissolve honey into it. Combine the ghee mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until well mixed.  Next, add yoghurt to the mixture and combine thoroughly. Brush a 12-inch round baking sheet with tahini and spread the basbousa mixture evenly onto it. Decorate the top with nuts. Bake in the middle of the oven until the edges start to brown, approximately 10 minutes.  Then, move the basbousa to a higher shelf and continue baking until golden brown, around 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by combining the ingredients of syrup in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.  Once the basbousa is done, remove it from the oven. Then pour the warm syrup over it, and cover it with foil immediately. Return the basbousa to the turned-off oven for 5-10 minutes. Finally, remove from the oven, cut into pieces, and enjoy. Read more: 8 Delectable Kabab Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen Mutton Rogan Josh Ingredients 500 gram lamb, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, salt to taste, and 2 teaspoons garam masala powder. For tempering: 5 tablespoons ghee / clarified butter, 2 bay leaves, 3 centimetres cinnamon, 2 black cardamom (crushed), 4 green cardamom (crushed), and ½ teaspoon asafoetida.  For Masala Paste: 1 cup plain yoghurt, 3 tablespoons Kashmiri chilli powder, 1 teaspoon green cardamom powder, ½ teaspoon black cardamom powder, 1 tablespoon fennel seed powder,1 tablespoon dry ginger powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper powder. Read more: 5 Delicious Less Spicy Mutton Recipes Instructions First, in a bowl, marinate the mutton with salt and lemon juice, allowing it to sit overnight or for at least 2 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it immediately. In another bowl, whisk the curd until smooth. Then, add the ingredients for the paste, mixing thoroughly. Set aside.  Then, heat ghee in a pot and sauté the tempering ingredients for a minute. Add the mutton in batches. Continue browning each batch for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the browned mutton to a plate as you go. Once all the mutton is browned, add it back to the pot.  Next, pour the curd mixture over the meat and cook for 10 minutes until browned. After that, add water, adjust salt, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. Serve with rice or roti. Read more: 5 Delicious Less Spicy Mutton Recipes Jhura Beef (Shredded Beef) Ingredients For Cooking Beef: 2 pounds boneless beef, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1 bay leaf, 3 cardamom pods, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 8 whole black peppers, 1 dry red chilli, and 1/2 cup cooking oil. For frying beef: 1/4 cup oil, 3 cups cubed onions, 4 green chillies (slit), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon ghee. Read more: 5 Delightful Tartare Recipes to Add to Your Repertoire Instructions First, to cook the beef, combine all the ingredients listed for cooking beef. You can use a pressure cooker to cook the meat for 30 minutes. After that, the beef should be tender. If not, cook until the meat is tender. Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks directly in the pot. Then, cook the meat uncovered until the liquid is absorbed. To fry the beef, first heat oil in a large frying pan and sauté onions until golden. Next, add the shredded beef, green chillies, cilantro, cumin powder, and ghee. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Your jhura beef is ready to savour.  Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) Ingredients For the marinade: 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated), 2 cloves garlic (crushed), and 750-gram chicken thigh fillets (cut into bite-size pieces) For curry: 2 tablespoons ghee or butter or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 cup tomato puree, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 1/4 teaspoon salt. Read more: 5 Exciting Peri Peri Chicken Recipes Instructions First, combine the marinade ingredients with the chicken in a bowl. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results. For an extra smooth sauce, you can blend the marinade ingredients (excluding the chicken) in a food processor until smooth, although this step is not mandatory. Next, to cook the chicken, heat the ghee in a large fry pan over high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, leaving any excess marinade on the chicken. Place the chicken in the frying pan and cook for approximately 3 minutes, until it becomes white. Then, for the sauce, add the tomato puree, cream, sugar, salt, and any remaining marinade left in the bowl to the frying pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, garnish the dish with coriander leaves, and serve with basmati rice. Read more: Vermicelli Ideas: 10 Delicious Semai Recipes for Eid Fruit Custard Ingredients 2.5 cups milk, 5 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons custard powder, 3 tablespoons milk warm or at room temperature, 1.5 to 2 cups chopped mixed fruits (apples, mangoes, sapota, banana, pears, strawberries, pomegranate). Read more: Delicious Homemade Dessert Ideas for Eid and Other Celebrations Instructions First, take a thick-bottomed pan or saucepan, and heat milk on the stove until it reaches a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, take 3 tablespoons of warm milk from the saucepan and mix with 3 tablespoons of custard powder to form a smooth paste. Once the milk is heated, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the custard paste to the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the custard on low heat for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Then, allow the custard to cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. Once cooled, chop seasonal fruits such as apples, papaya, banana, strawberries, and pomegranates, and add them to the custard. Mix well to combine. Now, serve the fruit custard garnished with additional fruits or pomegranate arils, or add chopped nuts or dry fruits for extra flavour and texture.  Read more: Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits for This Summer Final Words Eid-ul-Fitr is a time for celebration, gratitude, and sharing delicious food with family and friends. These five sweet and savoury recipes can make your Eid feast delicious and memorable for people of all ages. From traditional Middle Eastern sweets to aromatic curries, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Prepare these dishes with love and care, and savour the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr with your loved ones. Read more: 5 Nontraditional Biryani Recipes