Economy
Bangladesh to Celebrate Eid-ul-Adha on June 29
In an eagerly awaited announcement, the National Moon Sighting Committee declared that the holy festival of Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated throughout Bangladesh on June 29. The decision was made during a meeting held at the prestigious Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital city, Dhaka, following the sighting of the Zilhaj moon on Monday evening within the territory of Bangladesh.
Chaired by MD A Hamid Zamadder, the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the committee discussed and confirmed the sighting, setting the stage for the joyous commemoration of Eid-ul-Adha. This religious occasion, considered the second largest festival in the Islamic calendar, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, falls on the 10th day of Zilhaj, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to Allah. Muslims engage in various rituals during this period, including the offering of animal sacrifices, sharing of festive meals, and charitable acts.
The announcement has sparked excitement and fervor among Muslims across Bangladesh, as preparations for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festivities are set into motion. Families will come together to exchange greetings, visit mosques for special prayers, and adorn traditional attire, symbolizing unity and joy.
With the much-anticipated Eid-ul-Adha approaching, individuals are making necessary arrangements to ensure a memorable celebration. Markets are abuzz with shoppers seeking new clothes, accessories, and delicacies to enhance the festive spirit. The sacrificial animal marketplaces are also witnessing a flurry of activity, as people select livestock for their symbolic sacrifices.
As the date draws near, communities are organizing various cultural and social events to embrace the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha. Volunteer groups and charitable organizations are actively engaged in distributing meat and essential items to the less fortunate, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and compassion that permeates this sacred occasion.
Eid-ul-Adha serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness, reminding individuals of the values of sacrifice, devotion, and solidarity. The forthcoming celebrations on June 29 promise to be a vibrant and meaningful experience, bringing joy and blessings to the people of Bangladesh as they join Muslims around the world in observing this significant religious festival.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
