United News of Bangladesh

Eid-ul-Azha, one of the two major Islamic festivals, was observed across China on Friday with profound religious fervour and festive spirit. Millions of Chinese Muslims marked the occasion with dedication and joy, showcasing their devotion and community solidarity. The Hui Muslims are the most numerous Muslim group nationwide, with a significant population residing in northwestern China's Xinjiang autonomous region, home to a large Uyghur community. This diverse geographic and cultural landscape influences how Eid is celebrated across different regions and communities in China. On Eid morning, thousands of Muslims—both Chinese and foreign—gathered at various mosques to perform Eid prayers.

With Eid-ul-Azha just around the corner, cattle markets across Feni are bustling with life.  From dusty village corners to pop-up haats crowding urban alleys, the district is abuzz with a familiar blend of festivity, negotiation, and expectation—each hoofbeat echoing the spirit of sacrifice and tradition. According to district administration, this year, 112 markets have been set up across Feni’s six upazilas.  Trading officially began on May 30, and since then, the rush of buyers and sellers has only grown stronger.  Dhaka's cattle markets take shape as Eid-ul-Azha nears Rows of cows, goats, sheep, and even buffalo are lined up, their handlers negotiating prices and the rhythmic hum of market chatter. But while supply is abundant, buyers and sellers are finding themselves on opposite ends of the price debate. Price Dilemma “The cost of raising cattle has gone up a lot this year,” said Fazlul Haque, a seasoned cattle farmer from Fulgazi, gently patting a sturdy brown cow. “We’ve spent more on feed, medicine, and labour. So naturally, we can’t afford to sell at lower rates.” He isn’t alone. Farmers across the district echo the same concern. With feed prices shooting up and general inflation pressing hard, most say they’ve had to adjust their prices accordingly. Eid-ul-Azha: Cattle markets gain momentum in Madaripur On the other side of the negotiation table, buyers like Abdul Mannan said prices have climbed well above expectations.  “A medium-sized cow is selling for Tk 80,000 to Tk 1.2 lakh,” he said while scanning a group of animals at a haat in Sonagazi. “That’s 15 to 20 per cent more than last year. A small increase is fine, but this feels a bit too steep.” Yet, others concede the quality of the animals this year is commendable. “The locally-reared cows are strong and healthy,” said another buyer. “Given that, the prices might actually be fair.” Stronger Supply  Than  Demand  According to the District Livestock Office, Feni is more than prepared to meet local demand. The requirement this year stands at 82,336 sacrificial animals, while 87,227 are already ready for sale. Of these, 69,360 are cows, 1,667 buffalo, 13,243 goats, and 3,147 sheep. The average price of each cow is between Tk 80,000 and 5,00,000 and the price of a goat is between Tk 15,000 and 40,000. Accordingly, about Tk 1,500 crore of livestock can be sold at the greater Cumilla division market this time, according to officials’ forecast. District Livestock Officer Md Mozammel Haque said, "There is no fear of a shortage of sacrificial animals in Feni this time. Apart from the at least 5,000 registered farmers in the district, many are privately raising one or more sacrificial animals." The surplus isn’t new. Last year, Feni also saw supply outpace demand, even amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of natural disasters. Last year, the demand for sacrificial animals in the district was 87,200 while, 90,250 cattle were raised commercially and domestically. Though devastating floods wreaked havoc across all six upazilas of Feni. A total of 35 unions were affected, resulting in the death of nearly 39,000 cows and goats and damage worth over Tk 396 crore to the district’s livestock and poultry sector, according to reports. Push for Better  Practices As Eid draws nearer, the cattle markets are not only growing busier, they’re also becoming more organised. Farms like Madina Agro are now offering buyers the option to purchase livestock early and house them until sacrifice day. “Customers can even use the live-weight system to determine the animal’s worth,” said Mahmudul Hasan Sabbir, the farm’s manager. Meanwhile, district authorities have taken steps to ensure cleanliness. Each market has designated waste dumping areas, mobile cleaning teams, and a 24-hour cleanup mandate once the haats close.  “Protecting the environment is a key priority,” said Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam. “We won’t allow Eid festivities to result in public nuisance.” The Department of Livestock is also providing training for both professional and seasonal butchers, along with awareness programmes on hide preservation and livestock handling. Keeping Trouble at Bay  Security is another major focus this year. From petty theft to extortion, cattle markets are known hotspots for crime. But Feni’s police say they’re prepared. “Special teams are already active to prevent extortion, snatching, and pickpocketing,” said Feni’s Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman. “We’re also monitoring rumours and other attempts to create artificial crises.” To further safeguard the market ecosystem, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has stepped up vigilance along the frontier to prevent illegal cross-border cattle smuggling.  “In March and April, a total of 123 Indian cows were seized from different parts of Feni’s border,” said Lt Col Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain of BGB 4 Battalion. “This year, we are determined to keep the markets clean and fair.” Despite higher prices and recent hardships, the spirit of Eid-ul-Azha in Feni remains undeterred. The markets are full, the cows are healthy, and the hope among farmers is palpable. “This festival is about sacrifice,” said farmer Fazlul Haque. “And for us, it’s also about resilience. We’ve given everything to raise these animals. Now, we just hope people see the value in that.” As the district gears up for the final days before Eid, all eyes remain on the haats—where tradition, livelihood, and faith come together in a spectacle unique to the season. #With additional inputs from Julfekar Dehan

Bangladesh Bank has planned to circulate newly designed banknotes in the market before Eid-ul-Azha, according to sources at the central bank. The redesigned notes will feature graffiti commemorating the July Uprising, along with elements reflecting the country's cultural heritage and traditions. Discussions surrounding the introduction of the new notes began on August 5 last year. Govt approves ordinance to prevent bank fund looting: Adviser Rizwana Although the banknotes were already printed, the government held back their release to avoid public backlash and controversy. Despite nine months passing since the political shift, the new notes are yet to enter circulation. Since the notes feature an image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, they were not issued during Eid-ul-Fitr. As a result, many customers have been incurring losses while exchanging torn or worn-out notes in the open market. The scarcity of fresh notes has led to an increase in damaged notes being circulated, particularly in the Gulistan and Motijheel areas of Dhaka, where people are turning to informal channels for exchanges. Although notes bearing Bangabandhu's image are currently stored in bank vaults, financial institutions are unable to distribute them due to directives from Bangladesh Bank. Talking to UNB, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan explained that it typically takes between one to one-and-a-half years to print newly designed banknotes. But, considering public demand, the central bank intends to release the new notes ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He also mentioned that although nine types of new notes have been printed, not all denominations will be available immediately. According to the central bank, the annual demand for fresh banknotes is around 1.5 billion pieces. However, the security printing press has the capacity to produce only 1.2 billion notes per year.  

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.