State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam announced that preparations for the National Eidgah in Dhaka have been completed. He said President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will perform Eid prayers together at the venue. The announcement came after his inspection of the site on Thursday, March 19, around 11:30 a.m.

According to the minister, the National Eidgah can accommodate 40,000 worshippers, including women, with adequate facilities for ablution. The Eid prayer is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md. Sarwar stated that the DMP has ensured security for Eid congregations at the National Eidgah, Baitul Mukarram, and other locations. He requested attendees not to carry bags or other items to the prayer grounds.

The completion of preparations and security arrangements aims to ensure a smooth and safe Eid congregation in the capital city.

Astronomers have forecast that Eid al-Fitr is likely to be celebrated on March 20, 2026, across Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. The Emirates Astronomy Society’s chairman, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, stated that Ramadan is expected to complete 30 days this year. The Saudi Supreme Court has called on citizens to look for the Shawwal moon on Wednesday, March 18. If the moon is sighted that evening, Eid will be on March 19; otherwise, it will fall on March 20.

In Bangladesh, where Eid is typically observed a day after the Middle East due to geographical differences, the festival is expected to be celebrated on March 21, 2026. As the national holiday began on March 17, people have already started traveling home, and preparations for the festival are in full swing.

The final confirmation of the Eid date in both regions will depend on the official moon sighting announcements expected on March 18 evening.

Bangladesh has begun a seven-day public holiday from Tuesday, March 17, 2026, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Monday was the last working day before the break, after which large numbers of people started leaving cities for their hometowns. Depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival for Muslims in the country, is expected to be celebrated on Saturday, March 21.

The Ministry of Public Administration had earlier fixed a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23, including the main Eid day on March 21. To ease travel for holidaymakers, the government later added March 18 as an additional holiday through an executive order, combining it with the Shab-e-Qadr holiday on March 17 to make a continuous seven-day break for government employees.

Essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, port operations, sanitation, telecommunications, postal services, and emergency medical facilities will remain operational during the holiday period, ensuring uninterrupted public service.

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam announced that all preparations for the main Eid congregation at the National Eidgah in Dhaka have been completed. The main Eid prayer will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026. He made the announcement while inspecting the overall arrangements at the venue.

According to Salam, the National Eidgah can accommodate around 35,000 worshippers for the Eid prayer. Considering the warm weather, efforts are being made to install air conditioning in some sections of the ground. Adequate fans and lighting will also be arranged. Facilities include ablution areas, separate entrances for women, mobile toilets, and primary medical services for attendees.

The administrator emphasized that the preparations aim to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all worshippers attending the main Eid congregation in the capital.

An inscription discovered in 1964 at Sujangarh in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, has been identified as evidence of the oldest Islamic religious establishment in Bikrampur, dating back to the reign of King Bhojavarman of the Barman dynasty (circa 1137–1145 CE). The Sanskrit inscription, containing the term ‘Allabhattarakasvamijanaseetavihara,’ is preserved at the Bangladesh National Museum. Scholars interpret the word ‘Alla’ as a Sanskritized form of ‘Allah,’ suggesting the existence of a mosque-like institution, possibly with an attached madrasa, long before the Turkish conquest of Bengal in 1205 CE.

The inscription records a financial endowment authorized by King Bhojavarman in his seventh regnal year and mediated by a subordinate named Abhudeva, whose name reflects Arabic influence. Later analyses by scholars, including Ryozuke Furui of the University of Tokyo, have highlighted the inscription’s significance as evidence of early Muslim presence in Bengal through trade rather than conquest. It also reflects the cultural pluralism of the Barman rulers, who supported Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic institutions.

This finding reinforces the historical narrative of religious coexistence and multicultural exchange in twelfth-century Bengal, illustrating how early Bengal society accommodated diverse faiths within its political and cultural framework.

Noor Banu Kabir from Dinajpur has been honored with the 'Best Indomitable Woman' award by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. The award was presented by President Md. Shahabuddin at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on the occasion of International Women’s Day. She received the award in the 'Successful Mother' category, having earlier been recognized at the Rangpur divisional level.

Eighty-six-year-old Noor Banu Kabir, wife of freedom fighter Alhaj Mohammad Humayun Kabir of Balubari, Dinajpur, was born in Lalpur village of the then undivided Dinajpur district. Despite studying only up to the sixth grade, she dedicated her life to ensuring her ten children received higher education and became established in their careers. Among them, seven earned postgraduate degrees, one completed graduation, and two studied up to the intermediate level.

Her children now serve in various professions, including teaching, journalism, government service, and agriculture, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and perseverance.

The newly formed committee of the Dhaka University branch of Inqilab Manch officially began its activities on March 9, 2026, by paying tribute at the grave of Shaheed Osman Hadi. The committee members offered prayers for his soul before commencing their organizational journey. The event marked the formal start of the new committee’s work under the guidance of central and branch leaders.

Central committee member Md. Raihan Molla stated that the new committee was formed with members who prioritize the organization and are ideologically committed to its goals. He emphasized that the Dhaka University branch aims to become a strong intellectual platform through cultural and creative programs, regular study circles, research discussions, magazine publications, and at least two monthly seminars. He urged members to engage actively in research and writing to strengthen the organization’s intellectual foundation.

Committee convener Md. Fazle Rabbi Sarkar said the branch will work to promote national consciousness and cultural values among students. He added that responsibilities have been distributed among members to ensure effective implementation of the organization’s objectives.

At the ongoing Ekushey Book Fair 2026, Ekushey Padak-winning editor Mahmudur Rahman has released his new book titled “July Poroborti Rajniti Ebong Ekti Osman Hadi,” published by Srijoni Prokashoni. The book explores the political transformation in Bangladesh following the July revolution, which the author describes as a turning point in the nation’s independence from foreign influence.

According to the publication, the book discusses how Bangladesh’s politics before August 5, 2024, was heavily dependent on India, and how the student-led July revolution ended that dominance. It also highlights the role of young activist Sharif Osman Hadi, portrayed as a key figure in the anti-hegemony movement who was later suppressed by opposing forces. Rahman presents this narrative as a reflection of the country’s evolving political consciousness.

In addition to this title, Rahman’s other new book, “Atmoporichoyer Borme Hegemony Mokabela,” has been published by Mahanagar Publication and is also available at the fair. Both books can be found at the publishers’ stalls and through their contact numbers or social media pages.

The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation will be held at the National Eidgah in Dhaka at 8:30 a.m., weather permitting. If weather conditions are unfavorable, the main prayer will take place at 9:00 a.m. at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The Dhaka South City Corporation will oversee overall preparations, following decisions made at an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, on February 24.

The meeting emphasized arrangements for prayer management, security, and public welfare. Separate entrances and seating will be arranged for women on the southern side of the Eidgah. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will nominate an imam, a qari, and a presenter from lists submitted by the ministry. Preparations include leveling the ground, installing tents, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, and deploying medical teams and law enforcement for security.

Government buildings will be illuminated, and special meals will be served in hospitals, prisons, and welfare centers. Underprivileged children will receive free entry to selected parks and museums, while Bangladesh Television and Radio will air special programs.

Indian Assistant High Commissioner to Sylhet, Aniruddha Das, visited the Sri-Sri Ramakrishna Sevashram in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, on Monday, March 2, 2026. Following his visit, he attended a meeting with the Sevashram’s executive committee as the chief guest. During the event, he highlighted the Ramakrishna Mission’s role in promoting non-communal values, education, and moral principles through humanitarian activities, and noted its contribution to strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between Bangladesh and India.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Nibas Chandra Pal, president of the Sevashram’s executive committee, and conducted by Dipshikha Dhar, vice-president of Sreemangal Sarada Samiti. Rajesh Bhatia, Second Secretary (PIC&E) at the Indian Assistant High Commission in Sylhet, attended as a special guest and praised the Mission’s service-oriented initiatives, expressing hope for their continuation. Other committee leaders, including General Secretary Nirmalendu Bhattacharya, were also present.

At the end of the discussion, both guests were honored with crests and traditional scarves. The Assistant High Commissioner also toured various Mission activities and exchanged views with members.

A total of 136 new books were released during the first four days of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026, according to the Bangla Academy on Sunday. The second day saw 16 new titles, the third day 38, and the fourth day 42. The Academy does not count books released on the opening day. Among the new publications are 15 storybooks, 13 novels, 5 essays, 25 poetry collections, 5 research works, 1 rhyme book, 8 children’s books, 4 biographies, and 1 play. Additionally, six books cover science, travel, and history, while others include language, translation, science fiction, and miscellaneous topics.

Publishers said they are releasing diverse titles to maintain reader interest during Ramadan, with growing enthusiasm among visitors. Saeed Bari, a member of the fair’s organizing committee, expressed optimism that the event would conclude successfully as scheduled and help revive the publishing industry.

Visitors were seen buying both new and previously published books. Discussions and tributes, including one honoring artist Hamiduzzaman Khan, were also held at the fair’s main stage.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Chittagong University branch organized an Iftar gathering attended by about 3,500 students on Friday at the university’s central mosque premises. The event also featured a cultural evening following the Iftar. The program was conducted by branch finance secretary Hafez Mujahidul Islam and presided over by Chittagong University Central Students’ Union vice president and branch president Ibrahim Hossain Rony. Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga attended as the chief guest, while International Islamic University teacher Sharif Uddin Patwari delivered a Quranic lecture.

In his speech, Sibgatullah Sibga emphasized that Ramadan teaches piety and that the Quran is the guiding light for society. He cited an example from the life of Hazrat Omar (RA) to illustrate the importance of cautious and God-conscious living. President Ibrahim Hossain Rony called for restoring moral values to curb social degradation, expressing concern over ongoing crimes such as rape, theft, and violence.

The event concluded with a prayer for the welfare of the nation and its people.

Al-Azhar University celebrated its 1086th founding anniversary on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with a grand ceremony held at its main mosque in Cairo. The event highlighted the institution’s long-standing role as a symbol of Islamic scholarship, worship, and civilization. Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Professor Dr. Nazir Ayyad, emphasized that Al-Azhar was built on the strength of knowledge rather than political power, grounded firmly in the Quran and Sunnah. University President Professor Dr. Salama Juma Daud described Al-Azhar’s scholars as vast oceans of knowledge who enriched generations with their encyclopedic wisdom.

Historical accounts note that construction of Al-Azhar began soon after the founding of Cairo under Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz li-Dinillah in 969 CE. The mosque was completed in 27 months, and the first congregational prayer was held on June 21, 972 CE. In 1172 CE, Sultan Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi transformed Al-Azhar into a central Sunni institution representing the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence, shaping its evolution into a global hub of Sunni scholarship.

Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced that the government will provide allowances to distressed artists and construct a full-fledged Shilpakala Academy building in Magura district. He also stated that, under the government’s plan, two canals will be excavated in each upazila. The minister made these remarks on Friday afternoon at the Magura Circuit House hall room, where he was welcomed with flowers by representatives of various political and cultural organizations.

During his address, the minister emphasized that government employees involved in bribery or corruption will face justice. He added that the government will maintain a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, extortion, and drug-related offenses among the general public as well. The announcement reflects the government’s broader commitment to cultural development and integrity in public service.

The initiatives aim to strengthen local cultural infrastructure while ensuring social welfare support for underprivileged artists, aligning with the government’s ongoing development agenda.

The Bangla Academy has suspended the 2025 literary award of poet Mohon Raihan, citing questions raised about his writings and poems. The announcement came during the inauguration of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 at the Bangla Academy premises on Thursday, where Prime Minister Tarek Rahman presented awards to eight other recipients. The Academy had earlier announced nine winners, including Raihan, in a February 23 notice.

According to Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam, the decision to withhold Raihan’s award was made to allow further review of the concerns raised about his work. The Academy stated that a final decision will be made after examination. The other awardees include Nasima Anis, Syed Azizul Haque, Hasan Hafiz, Ali Ahmad, Mustafa Majid, Israil Khan, Farseem Mannan Mohammadi, and Moeedul Hasan.

In a social media post, Mohon Raihan expressed surprise at the suspension, saying he had not sought the award and that his name had been announced before the ceremony. He claimed a group influenced the decision due to his poem “Taher’s Dream,” written 41 years ago.