Despite overnight storms and a cloudy morning, Dinajpur’s Gor-e-Shahid Eidgah, one of Asia’s largest Eid prayer grounds, witnessed a massive congregation of worshippers on Saturday. Spanning approximately 22 acres, the 52-domed Eidgah drew hundreds of thousands of Muslims from near and far to perform the Eid prayers in a serene and orderly environment.
The Eid prayer commenced at 9 a.m., led by Maulana Matiur Rahman Qasemi, with Dinajpur-3 Member of Parliament Syed Jahangir Alam and local dignitaries joining the congregation. Following the prayer, attendees participated in prayers for the nation’s prosperity and the wellbeing of all citizens. The vast grounds allowed worshippers ample space to pray comfortably while observing social harmony and spiritual devotion.
Preparations for the grand congregation were meticulous. In the days leading up to Eid, the entire field was levelled using rollers, and prayer rows were marked with chalk over the lush green grass. Adequate arrangements for ablution facilities and cleanliness were ensured. The Eidgah featured 20 entry points for smooth access, while three watchtowers were installed for security monitoring. Worshippers were screened via metal detectors, and the entire area was under CCTV surveillance.
Law enforcement and security personnel included the army, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansar, and volunteers. Uniformed and plainclothes officers maintained order across all prayer rows. To ensure the sermon and prayer were audible to all, around 100 loudspeakers were installed.
Many attendees expressed their satisfaction. Sohel Rana from the suburban area said, “Praying in such a large congregation is very fulfilling. I feel immense pride and joy performing prayers with so many people.” Akhtaruzzaman Jewel, director of the Dinajpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked, “Millions gather here. Allah surely answers many of their prayers. We come to this place with devotion.” Local resident Naeem Hasan noted, “This is the largest Eidgah in Bangladesh. I have been attending since childhood. It has grown over the years, and we are all delighted.”
Visitors from other districts also shared their experiences. Sirajul Islam, arriving from Kapasia, stated, “I heard around 600,000 people attend here. My intention was fulfilled, and it was wonderful to pray alongside everyone. The security personnel were very helpful.” Zayed Ali from Bogura added, “It is rewarding to pray in such a vast congregation. I have come here before, and I will come again. The reward is greater.”
Dinajpur-3 MP Syed Jahangir Alam confirmed, “The prayer was conducted peacefully. Police and security forces provided strong support, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for worshippers.”
Key Facts of Dinajpur Gor-e-Shahid Eidgah
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 22 acres |
| Number of Domes | 52 |
| Minarets | 4 tall minarets (two 60 ft, two 50 ft) |
| Main Dome (Mihrab) Height | 47 ft |
| Additional Domes | 49 |
| Arches | 32 arches, 516 ft long |
| Construction Cost | 38 million BDT (2017) |
| Construction Material | Entirely ceramic |
| Lighting | Electric illumination for night |
| Security | Army, Police, BGB, RAB, Ansar, volunteers |
| Entry Points | 20 |
Constructed in 2017, the Eidgah is a remarkable example of architectural and cultural heritage, featuring beautifully illuminated domes and arches. Since its inception, it has served as the central venue for Eid prayers, attracting worshippers not only from Dinajpur but also from neighbouring districts, creating a vibrant, spiritually charged atmosphere every year.
The scale, planning, and devotion witnessed at Dinajpur’s Eidgah reflect both the community’s commitment to faith and the meticulous efforts of authorities to ensure safety and harmony during this major religious gathering.