Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr in Saudi Arabia on Thursday
Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, as the Shawwal moon was not sighted in the country's skies today.
Al Arabiya English reported the news citing the country’s moon sighting committee.
Wednesday will be the last and 30th day of Ramadan in the kingdom.
Also read: Eid-ul-Fitr: BNP greets PM Hasina
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s National Moon Sighting Committee decided to meet on Wednesday evening to fix the date of Eid-ul-Fitr upon sighting of Shawal Moon. It is usual for the new moon phase to start a day later in Bangladesh, and so it is expected to announce Eid ul Fitr on Friday for Bangladesh.
Bongo introduces seven original telefilm adaptations Based on Books (BoB) this Eid
Bongo, the nation’s pioneering video streaming platform, is set to launch a link between works of Bangladeshi literature and film through their 'BoB' (Based on Books) project Season One, presented by bKash on this Eid-ul-Fitr.
Adapted from the seven bestsellers of Ekushey Boi Mela 2020, this exclusive project offers something for all viewers of all genres, including drama, romance, comedy, thriller, action, and supernatural, Bongo says via a press release.
Read Bengali OTT Platforms for Watching Movies, Web Series, Musical Shows
A ‘Brainchild’ project of Mushfiqur Rahman, Chief Content Officer of Bongo and Zahid Ahmed, Deputy Chief Content Editor of Bongo, this challenge of adapting from the literature will not only serve the purpose of presenting different and refreshing contents to the audiences but also encourage new and contemporary writers to see an alternative way of channelling their stories, the platform says on the press release.
Bongo has given priority to contemporary young writers for the first season of Bongo BoB, besides prominent fiction writer Shahaduz Zaman. This time, seven popular books of 2020 were selected through rigorous discussions with the writers and publishers to be exclusively streamed on www.bongobd.com.
Also read: Bongo launching season 1 of Based on Books contents on Eid-Ul-Fitr
Mushfiqur Rahman said, "Our stories are reflected in our literature. We have long wanted to get out of the conventional trend and work with literature. This may be the first literary work as a series. It is our stepping stone and we shall continue to build on it. We are glad to have bKash on board who believed in the project.”
He also mentions that works on eminent names of Bangla literature such as Shahidul Zahir, Syed Shamsul Haq, and Selina Hossain in their future projects of films, dramas, telefilms, and web series.
According to Zahid Ahmed, the Bongo BoB Project is a long-term initiative. He said, "Looking through the history, Bangladesh's film industry played a significant role in the country's GDP, but we could not hold on to it, one of the reasons is the lack of original stories. The same can be said about television. Through this venture, we want to present original stories to our audience that hold global standards.”
Also read: Bongo to release Liberation War based film 'Noybeddya' on Independence Day
The seven authors of the books Bongo chose are Shahaduz Zaman, Sadat Hossain, Rahitul Islam, Shibabrata Barman, Mahbub Morshed, Jobaed Ahsan and Maruf Rehman. Zahid Ahmed mentions that the writers have been selected very consciously. The demand for the character in the story has also got priority before glamour in the selection of artists.
Considering the situation, Bongo says that it was not easy for the directors adapting the films as everyone faced various challenges, time, production during COVID-19 and the pressure of adaptation. Writer Maruf Rehman mentioned that with the change in the medium of storytelling, the need for change, expansion and refinement in the script is obvious. His novel Laboni will be adapted in one of the films under the same title.
The seven directors are Animesh Aich, Noor Imran Mithu, Iftekhar Ahmed Fahmi, Sanjoy Somaddar, Wahid Tareq, Vicky Zahed and Golam Haider Kisloo.
Also read: Bongo releases new horror series '2 Mad Men'
For the artists, it was also quite challenging as well who had to work with precaution and safety protocols for COVID-19. For the first time, actor Ilias Kanchan will be seen on the Bongo OTT platform. Ishrat Jahan Chaiti, Azmeri Haque Badhon, Partha Barua, Manoj Pramanik, Mumtahina Toya, Ashna Habib Bhabna and many more seniors and contemporary artists will be featured in these telefilms.
“Bongo has always been a pioneer in the Video Streaming industry in Bangladesh since 2013. We have been digitizing movies from the 70s, 80s and 90s to preserve our culture. When this show was first pitched to our content committee, it was a no-brainer decision for us. We are extremely excited to take this approach and will continue to build on this along with delivering our technology to enable millions to watch anywhere, anytime and on all screens.
Read 10 Best Adventure Movies Released in 2021
We reach over 179 countries globally, over 15 million viewers through all Bongo Channels and this time with the BoB Series we are also launching with English subtitles so that global audiences can also get a taste of Bengali stories,” said Fayaz Taher, Chief Operating Officer of Bongo.
The on-screen stories will be broadcasted on Channel 9 (2 pm), Deepto TV (4:30 pm), ETV (9:20 pm) and GTV (11:30 pm) from the 1st to 7th day of Eid-ul-Fitr. These will also be streamed exclusively on Bongo's OTT platform at www.bongobd.com, or users can download the iOS, TV or Android App.
Read Best Iranian Movies 2021 to Watch during Ramadan Fasting
5 Eid jamaats to be held at National Mosque from 7am
There will be five Eid jamaats (congregations) at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
A handout issued by the mosque authorities revealed the schedule on Tuesday.
The first Eid jamaat will be held at 7 am while the next four will be administered at 8 am , 9am, 10am, and 10:45am respectively.
The National Moon Sighting Committee will meet on Wednesday evening to fix the date of Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of Muslims.
The Islamic Foundation issued a press release in this regard saying the meeting will be held at the foundation's Baitul Mukarram office after Maghrib prayers for reviewing information on the sighting of Shawwal moon.
The Religious Affairs Ministry has urged devotees to offer Eid prayer at their nearest mosques instead of Eidgah and open spaces maintaining recommended health guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It also suggested disinfecting mosques before the Eid prayer and not rolling out carpets on the floors.
The devotees have been asked to bring prayer mats from home.
The devotees must wear masks inside mosques and avoid using prayer mats and caps that were stored earlier there.
Children, elderly people, people with physical ailment, and those involved in taking care of the sick will not be allowed to attend the Eid prayer.
Besides, the devotees were requested to shun handshaking and hugging after the prayer which has been a common practice during Eid throughout the world.
The Religious Affairs Ministry urged Imams and managing committees of mosques to ensure proper implementation of the directives.
Read How to celebrate EID safely during COVID-19 pandemic
Rain may dampen Eid celebrations
The Met Office has forecast light to moderate rain all over the country during the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of Muslims.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department made the forecast with an outlook for the subsequent two days, following the next 24 hours, commencing 6pm Tuesday.
“Light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally wind is likely to occur at many places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions,” it said.
Also read: How to celebrate EID safely during COVID-19 pandemic
Some parts of the country might see moderately heavy to heavy falls in the next 24 hours, the Met Office said.
Its forecast said rain and thunder shower activities may decrease in the next five days.
The National Moon Sighting Committee will meet on Wednesday evening to fix the date of Eid-ul-Fitr upon sighting of Shawwal moon.
Also read: Celebrate Eid where you are: PM Hasina
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia Eid will be observed on May 13, according to astronomical calculations. This is the first time Saudi announces the date of the Islamic calendar using astronomic technology rather than the traditional visual sighting of the moon.
Eid-ul-Fitr: BNP greets PM Hasina
BNP top leaders on Tuesday sent Eid greeting cards to Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sent two separate eid cards to the Prime Minister.
They also greeted Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader sending cards.
A BNP delegation, led by its assistant organising secretary Abdus Salam Azad, handed over the cards to Awami League leader Ali Hossain at the party president’s Dhanmondi office around 11:30am
Besides, the party sent eid cards to Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh President Dr AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain, LPD president Oli Ahmed, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, JSD president ASM Abdur Rob, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, CPB president Mujahidul Islam Selim, Krishak Sramik Janata League President Abdul Kader Siddique, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and some other top leaders and different political parties.
National Moon Sighting Committee to meet Wednesday evening
The National Moon Sighting Committee will meet on Wednesday evening to fix the date of Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of Muslims.
The Islamic Foundation issued a press release in this regard saying the meeting will be held at the foundation's Baitul Mukarram office after Maghrib prayers for reviewing information on the sighting of Shawwal moon.
Mohammad Faridul Haque Khan, State Minister for Religious Affairs and also president of the committee, will preside over the meeting, it added.
People have been requested to inform the committee over following phone and fax numbers if they see the Shawwal moon anywhere in Bangladesh sky.
They also can report to the corresponding upazila nirbahi officers or deputy commissioners.
The phone numbers are: 9559493, 9555947, 9556407 and 9558337 while the fax numbers are 9563397 and 9555951.
Trade through Burimari land port to remain suspended for 6 days
The export-import activities through Burimari land port in Lalmonirhat will remain suspended for six days from Wednesday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims.
Ruhul Amin Babul, president of the Burimari Land Port Importers and Exporters’ Association and chairman of Patgram Upazila Parishad, confirmed the matter on Tuesday morning.
Read:Benapole Port to remain shut for 3 days
According to Burimari Land Port sources, the announcement came from a joint meeting of Burimari Land Port Importers-Exporters Association and C&F Association.
Trade activities through Burimari Land Port will remain suspended from May 12 to May 17. The land port activities will resume on May 18.
Burimari Land Port Immigration Police Officer Sub-Inspector (SI) Anwar Hossain said, "passengers with passports can cross the border from 9 am to 3 pm with the permission of the High Commission or NOC if there is no instruction to stop immigration."
However, those who will return from India have to stay in official quarantine for 14 days.
Benapole Port to remain shut for 3 days
Trade with India through the Benapole Land Port will remain suspended from May 13 to May 15 during the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest festival of the Muslims.
Import-export activities through the port remained suspended on Monday on the occasion of Shab-e-Qadr, the holiest night in the Islamic calendar.
Assistant Director of the port Atiqul Islam said export-import, customs and other activities will remain shut from Thursday due to Eid holiday.
Trade activities will resume from May 16, he said.
Also read: 105 Bangladeshis return from India through Benapole
Deputy Director of the port (traffic) Mamun Trafdar said security will be tightened at the port.
Benapole port police station’s Officer-in-Charge Azizul Haque said they will remain alert to avert any untoward incident during the holiday.
Benapole check post’s immigration Officer-in-Charge Ahsan Habib said no-one can travel to India or come to Bangladesh from the neighbouring country through the port due to the travel ban imposed on April 26.
But those who got stuck in India before the border shutdown can return by securing release paper from the concerned High Commission. They must complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, he said.
People still trying to leave Dhaka defying restrictions, ignoring Covid risks
Many people are still making frantic efforts to leave Dhaka to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families in villages defying a ban on inter-district public transport due to the worsening Covid-19 situation.
Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, is scheduled to be celebrated across the country later this week. Thousands of people started to leave the city from early in the morning on Sunday.
Witnesses said a large number of people were seen crossing Tongi Bridge from Abdullahpur of Uttara, Amin Bazar Bridge from Gabtoli, Postagola Burigonga bridge of Shympur and Babu Bazar Burigonga Bridge on foot.
The government has imposed lockdown restrictions since April due to an increase in the coronavirus infection. Even though long-distance buses are shut, people are travelling to villages in any way they can.
Also read: BGB deployed on Paturia-Daulatdia, Shimulia-Banglabazar routes
The number of ferries has been reduced at Mawa and Paturia terminals and BGB members have been deployed there to prevent people from crossing the Padma.
Despite the government's effort, people are continuing to rush to northern and southern districts from Dhaka on small vehicles ignoring health risks.
Ferry services were closed during the day.
20- km tailback on Dhaka-Aricha highway
A 20-km tailback has been created on Dhaka-Aricha highway due to the mad rush of homebound people ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr defying the restriction on movement amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Visiting the highway, the UNB correspondent found that a long queue of vehicles on the road, stretching from Savar Bus Stand to Gabtoli Bridge area.
Also Read: Ferry services suspended to contain spread of Covid
People including women and children are set to go to their village home to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones ignoring heath safety protocols.
In absence of public transport, people hired microbus, pick-up vans, and private vehicles to leave Dhaka.
Besides, many people were seen travelling on goods-laden trucks.
Read 5-km long tailback on Dhaka-Chattogram highway
A traffic police wishing not to be named said the tailback has created due to heavy pressure of private vehicles alongside the public transport.
Some long-route passengers said they boarded local bus from Savar and their destination was Amin Bazar. Later, they crossed the bridge on foot and boarded another bus from Gabtoli to reach their respective destinations.
Anwar Hossain, a resident of Gabtoli, said “I along with six of my family members started journey around 6 am. Now it’s 11:30 am. We are still at Amin Bazar point.”
Also Read: BGB deployed on Paturia-Daulatdia, Shimulia-Banglabazar routes
Arnab Shaha, a student of Jahangirnagar University, said “I boarded a Savar-bound bus around 10 am. Now it’s 12:45 pm. The bus is stuck at Baliarpur for the last two hours. I have no idea whether I can go home before Iftar.”
However, people are so reluctant in maintaining health guidelines and social distance though the government has allowed intra-city transport services on condition of maintaining health guidelines.
Read Dhaka-Khulna highway turns death trap