The Islamic Foundation of Bangladesh has confirmed that a formal announcement regarding the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan will be made following a high-level meeting tomorrow, Wednesday. The National Moon Sighting Committee is scheduled to convene at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque’s conference hall to review all reports concerning the sighting of the new crescent moon for the Hijri year 1447.
The Decision-Making Process
The meeting, presided over by the Minister for Religious Affairs, will commence at 6:00 pm. During this assembly, experts and officials will evaluate meteorological data and eyewitness accounts from across the country. The official determination of the Ramadan start date rests on whether the crescent moon is visible on Wednesday evening.
To facilitate an accurate nationwide assessment, the Islamic Foundation has established dedicated communication channels. Citizens who happen to sight the moon in any part of the country are urged to report their findings via the following telephone lines:
02-41053294
02-226640510
02-223383397
Alternatively, information can be relayed to the respective Deputy Commissioners (DC) or Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO).
Potential Scenarios for Ramadan 1447
The beginning of the fasting month is contingent upon the lunar cycle. The following table outlines the two probable timelines for the upcoming religious observances:
| Condition | Start of Fasting | First Taraweeh Prayer | First Suhoor (Pre-dawn Meal) |
| If Moon is Sighted Wednesday | Thursday | Wednesday Night | Wednesday Late Night |
| If Moon is NOT Sighted | Friday | Thursday Night | Thursday Late Night |
Understanding the Lunar Transition
In the Islamic calendar, a new month begins with the sighting of the Hilal, or the thin crescent moon. If the moon is observed on Wednesday evening, the current month of Shaban will end at 29 days, making Thursday the first day of Ramadan. If the moon is not visible, Shaban will complete its full 30-day cycle, and the month of fasting will naturally begin on Friday.
For the Muslim community, the first night of Ramadan is marked by the commencement of Taraweeh, the special congregational prayers held in mosques. This is followed by Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal taken before the first fast begins at sunrise. As the nation waits for the committee’s verdict, the Islamic Foundation remains the sole authority for the official declaration, ensuring uniformity in religious observance across the eight divisions of Bangladesh.