Holy Ramadan, the lunar month of self-purification through fasting and abstinence, begins Thursday. Lailatul Qadr, the night of divine blessing and benediction, will be observed on the night of August 5.
The National Moon Sighting Committee took the decision in a meeting at the Islamic Foundation office on Tuesday evening after reviewing reports on moon sighting for the holy month of Ramadan.
Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the lunar month, a time of restraint and austerity.
On the occasion, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia greeted Muslims.
The President termed Ramadan the month of ‘abstinence’ and ‘self-purification’ and said it’s a very significant month in one’s personal and social life.
In her message, the Prime Minister congratulated the Muslims on the occasion of Ramadan and said it’s a rare opportunity for every Muslim devotee to purify himself or herself through fasting and abstinence.
She urged all to establish peace, fraternity being imbued with the teaching of Ramadan shunning greed, hatred, indiscipline and friction.
Opposition leader Khaleda Zia also urged the people to exercise restraint and abstinence in every moment of life to maintain sanctity of Ramadan.
Meanwhile, the government has announced new office timing for all government, semi-government and autonomous and semi-autonomous organizations for the holy month of Ramadan.
All these offices will remain open from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday, including prayer break from 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm, during the month. – UNB
