The holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across Bangladesh on Saturday, following the official confirmation that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Thursday evening. As a result, the month of Ramadan will complete a full 30 days on Friday, in accordance with Islamic tradition.
The announcement was made after of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad briefed the media after the meeting, confirming that no credible reports of moon sightings had been received from any part of the country.
According to the minister, comprehensive data was collected and reviewed from multiple authoritative sources, including district administrations, the Islamic Foundation’s headquarters and regional offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation (SPARRSO). After careful analysis, the committee concluded that the crescent marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 Hijri was not visible in Bangladesh’s skies.
Eid-ul-Fitr, which falls on the first day of Shawwal, marks the end of a month-long period of fasting observed by Muslims during Ramadan. It is regarded as the most significant religious festival in the Islamic calendar, symbolising spiritual renewal, gratitude, and communal harmony. The timing of Eid is determined strictly by the sighting of the moon, making such official confirmations crucial for the faithful.
The meeting was attended by a wide range of senior officials, scholars, and experts. Among them were Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Director General of the Islamic Foundation A. Salam Khan, Director General (West Asia) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Humayun Kabir, and representatives from meteorological and space research institutions. Prominent religious scholars and administrators also participated, ensuring a well-rounded and authoritative decision-making process.
Below is a summary of the key details regarding the Eid announcement:
| বিষয় (Aspect) | বিবরণ (Details) |
|---|---|
| Date of moon sighting attempt | Thursday |
| Shawwal moon visibility | Not sighted |
| Total days of Ramadan | 30 days |
| Eid-ul-Fitr celebration | Saturday |
| Decision-making authority | National Moon Sighting Committee |
Under the Hijri lunar calendar, months are either 29 or 30 days long, depending on the visibility of the moon. If the crescent is sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan, Eid is observed the following day. If not, Ramadan completes 30 days, and Eid follows thereafter. Due to geographical differences, some countries may observe Eid on different days; however, in Bangladesh, the decision of the central committee is considered final and binding.
The announcement now allows millions across the country to prepare for Eid celebrations, including special prayers, charitable giving, and family gatherings, marking the culmination of a spiritually significant month.