UNB, Dhaka
Muslims in Bangladesh are celebrating the biggest religious festival without any outdoor activities this year to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.
The government urged people to avoid Eidgah or other open places for congregations and to offer prayers at mosques following recommended health advice.
In an emergency notification on May 14, the Ministry of Religious Affairs urged devotees to bring prayer mats and caps from home and wear masks.
Besides, arrangements should be made at the entrances of mosques for washing hands, it said.
Children, elderly people, people with physical ailment, and those taking care of the sick will not be allowed at Eid jamaat in mosques.
Devotees have been requested to shun handshaking and hugging after the prayer, a common practice throughout the Muslim world.
Thousands of people have already left the capital to celebrate Eid with their families at their village homes, ignoring the risk of coronavirus infection.
In an address to the nation on Sunday evening, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged everyone to celebrate the occasion at home and enjoy time with their families.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Hasina greeted the countrymen on the occasion.
They issued separate messages praying for peace, progress and prosperity of the country and the Muslim Ummah. President Hamid said Eid creates a bond of harmony, amity and unity among all.
“Let the teaching of Eid-ul-Fitr spread among all and build a prosperous Bangladesh,” he said urging the solvent people to stand by the poor.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Hasina said this time we are celebrating Eid in an unusual way as coronavirus has paralysed the whole world.
“Don’t get infected. We sincerely thank all the health workers, doctors, nurses, policemen, law enforcers, armed forces and others who are risking their lives to keep people safe during this time,” she said.
The Prime Minister requested everyone to avoid public gatherings as much as possible, and pray to Allah that we all overcome this crisis soon.
Television channels and radio stations are airing special programmes on the occasion and the national flag will be hoisted atop government and non-government office buildings. Special food will be served at hospitals, jails, children’s homes, centres for persons with disabilities, shelters and orphanages.
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