The moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Zilhajj has been sighted in the skies of Bangladesh, confirming that the month will commence on Tuesday. Based on the lunar calendar, the festival of Eid-ul-Adha will therefore be observed across the country on Thursday, 28 May.
The decision was announced on Monday evening following a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the conference room of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram in the capital. After the meeting, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) formally declared the outcome.
The sighting of the moon determines the start of Zilhajj, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid-ul-Adha is observed annually on the 10th day of Zilhajj, in accordance with Islamic tradition. The festival is one of the two major religious celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.
Eid-ul-Adha is also commonly known as the Festival of Sacrifice or Qurbani Eid. The occasion commemorates the willingness to make sacrifices in obedience to Allah. On this day, financially capable Muslims perform the ritual sacrifice of permitted livestock as an act of devotion and distribute portions of the meat among family members, relatives, and those in need.
The National Moon Sighting Committee is responsible for reviewing moon sighting reports from across the country before making an official declaration regarding the beginning of Islamic months. Meetings are generally held after sunset on the 29th day of an ongoing lunar month to verify reports and determine whether the new crescent has been observed.
With the confirmation of Zilhajj’s commencement, preparations for Eid-ul-Adha are expected to continue nationwide. In Bangladesh, the festival is traditionally marked by special congregational prayers, family gatherings, and the observance of religious duties related to sacrifice.
A summary of the announced schedule is provided below:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Month confirmed | Zilhajj |
| Moon sighted | Monday evening |
| Start of Zilhajj | Tuesday |
| Eid-ul-Adha date | Thursday, 28 May |
| Decision announced by | Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) |
| Decision-making body | National Moon Sighting Committee |
| Meeting venue | Conference room, National Mosque Baitul Mukarram |
The official announcement has now settled the national observance date, allowing public and private preparations related to the festival to proceed according to schedule. As per the lunar calculation confirmed by the committee, Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha on 28 May this year.