After the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, Dhaka is still experiencing a festive calm as many residents have yet to return from their hometowns. On Friday, May 29, 2026, the capital saw little pressure of returning workers, while many others were still leaving for villages. The usual traffic congestion, car horns, and bustling crowds were notably absent, leaving the city unusually quiet.

Although a few shops in neighborhoods and shopping malls have reopened, most remain closed. Residents expressed relief at the ease of movement through the city’s empty streets. One resident from Mohammadpur noted that the lack of traffic and noise made travel peaceful and quick across the capital.

The relaxed atmosphere reflects the lingering holiday spirit, with Dhaka’s streets offering a rare sense of calm before normal activity resumes in the coming days.

BTV Chattogram Center organized a daylong special program to commemorate the 45th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder and Bir Uttam Ziaur Rahman. According to a press release signed by the center’s General Manager Md. Imam Hossain on May 26, the schedule includes several special broadcasts highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s life and contributions.

The programs feature a documentary titled “Swadhinatar Ghoshok Zia,” a discussion session “Mrityunjayi Swadhinatar Ghoshok” with State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin and senior journalist Shah Newaz, as well as poetry recitations and a musical show “Komol Theke Shahid Zia.” A special magazine program “Amra Komol Kurri” and a graphics video featuring Ziaur Rahman’s notable quotes will also be aired.

Md. Imam Hossain stated that the state-run channel designed these diverse programs to present the multifaceted life and work of the late president to audiences of all ages, including the younger generation.

The British Museum has postponed a key lecture planned for Jewish Culture Month in London due to concerns over possible disruptions. The event, titled “Ancient Israel and Judah,” was scheduled for Thursday at the museum’s BP Lecture Theatre, with Dr. Paul Collins, head of the Middle East department, as the speaker. The museum stated that it received information indicating that a significant number of registered participants intended to deliberately disrupt the event, raising safety and security concerns.

The lecture was part of the United Kingdom’s first-ever Jewish Culture Month, running until June 16, and was expected to explore the archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah, including events such as the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon and the Maccabean revolt. The museum emphasized its commitment to free expression and peaceful protest but said the safety of staff, speakers, and visitors must come first.

The decision sparked mixed reactions. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the move as sending the wrong message about combating antisemitism, while historian Simon Schama called it regrettable. Meanwhile, the group Jewish Artists for Palestine questioned labeling dissent as a security threat, warning it could be seen as pro-Zionist propaganda.

The West Bengal government moved Kolkata’s main Eid congregation from the city’s historic Red Road to the Brigade Parade Ground, ending a 48-year tradition. The prayer gathering took place under tight security with drone surveillance, watchtowers, and a large police presence. The Eid prayers began at 8:32 a.m. and concluded at 8:44 a.m., with thousands of worshippers attending.

Authorities stated that the decision was part of a policy to avoid closing major city roads for religious events, aiming to reduce public inconvenience. Historically, the Kolkata Khilafat Committee had organized Eid prayers at the Shaheed Minar area until 1976, before shifting to Red Road in 1977 due to flooding. Since then, Red Road had hosted both major Eid congregations every year until 2025.

Many attendees said they faced no difficulty praying at the new venue, though some expressed concern that heavy rain before future Eids could complicate arrangements. The event also featured the hoisting of the national flag as a key symbol of the celebration.

Eid al-Adha in West Bengal took on an unusually subdued tone this year as the traditional congregational prayers on Kolkata’s Red Road did not take place. The event, historically central to the city’s Eid celebrations, was not permitted by the state’s BJP government under Chief Minister Suvendu. Instead, the main Eid prayers were held at the Brigade Parade Ground at 8:30 a.m., led by Imam Qari Fazlur Rahman. Attendance was significantly lower than usual, with only a few thousand participants compared to the typical one to two lakh worshippers. The festive enthusiasm was notably absent, and animal sacrifices across the state were largely suspended.

The Red Road Eid congregation has a long history dating back to the British era, when the Khilafat Committee initiated prayers there. Despite changes in governance, the tradition continued after India’s independence. The report also recalls the historical roots of Kolkata’s waqf properties, many of which are now encroached upon, and references the Sachar Committee’s unimplemented recommendations to use such assets for Muslim education and welfare.

The article reflects on Kolkata’s past interfaith harmony, contrasting it with the current atmosphere of melancholy and diminished communal spirit.

The holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated across India with devotion and religious solemnity. For the first time, Kolkata hosted the main Eid congregation at the historic Brigade Parade Ground instead of the traditional Red Road venue. From early morning, worshippers gathered at major mosques including Nakhoda Mosque, Tipu Sultan Mosque, and Park Circus Maidan to perform Eid prayers.

Alongside West Bengal, the festival was observed with due respect in Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Bihar. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on social media, wishing happiness, good health, and harmony for the people. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also conveyed Eid greetings to the residents of the state.

The change of venue in Kolkata marked a significant shift in the city’s Eid tradition, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the celebration across India.

The main Eid-ul-Azha congregation of Bangladesh was held on Thursday morning at the National Eidgah in Dhaka. The prayer, led by Baitul Mukarram National Mosque’s Khatib Maulana Mufti Md Abdul Malek, began at 7:30 a.m. President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarek Rahman attended the congregation along with the Speaker, Chief Justice, cabinet members, diplomats, and other dignitaries.

After the prayer, special prayers were offered for the welfare, peace, and prosperity of the nation and the global Muslim community. The congregation also prayed for the oppressed Muslims in Palestine and Iran, for those affected by the recent measles outbreak in Bangladesh and worldwide, and for forgiveness of the deceased. In his sermon, Maulana Abdul Malek urged believers to sacrifice their inner vices for the nation’s progress.

The National Eidgah accommodated around 35,000 worshippers across 121 rows, with separate arrangements for women and VIPs. Extensive preparations included over 43,000 bamboo poles, 15 tons of rope, 1,900 tarpaulins, and more than 1,100 fans to ensure comfort and safety for attendees.

The first congregation of Eid-ul-Azha prayers was held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Thursday morning. The prayer began at 7 a.m. and was led by Senior Pesh Imam Hafiz Maulana Mufti Md. Mizanur Rahman, with Muazzin Qari Ishaq serving as the mukabbir. Thousands of worshippers attended the first congregation at the national mosque.

Before the prayer, Mufti Md. Mizanur Rahman delivered a sermon emphasizing that the most beloved act to Allah on this day is the sacrifice of animals, which must be done solely for divine satisfaction. He cautioned that sacrifices made for public praise would not be accepted.

According to the Islamic Foundation, a total of five congregations will be held at the mosque this Eid. The second will begin at 8 a.m., the third at 9 a.m., the fourth at 10 a.m., and the fifth and final congregation around 10:45 a.m.

Members of the Jahagiriya Sufi order in Fatullah, Narayanganj, celebrated Eid-ul-Azha on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in alignment with the Middle Eastern calendar. The main Eid congregation took place at the premises of Hazrat Shah Sufi Momtazia Orphanage and Hafezkhana Madrasa in Lamapara at 9:30 a.m., led by Mufti Maulana Shahabuddin. Devotees from various parts of the country, including Tongi, Keraniganj, Old Dhaka, Demra, Savar, Siddhirganj, Rupganj, Bandar, Araihazar, and Sonargaon, joined the prayers.

Following the prayer, special supplications were offered for the welfare of the nation, peace and prosperity of the global Muslim community, and for lasting relief from the post-pandemic situation. The congregation also prayed for national harmony and the well-being of all people.

According to local sources, the event was held peacefully, creating a festive atmosphere in the area. Law and order remained normal throughout the celebration.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D. Haas Christensen visited a cattle market in Dhaka ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival. During the visit, he took photographs, interacted with sellers and visitors, and observed the festive preparations. The US Embassy in Dhaka later shared the photos on its verified Facebook page, showing the ambassador engaging with the local community.

In the Facebook post, Ambassador Christensen described the experience of witnessing the vibrant atmosphere of the cattle market as wonderful, noting that families were preparing for Eid-ul-Azha. He extended his wishes for a joyful and peaceful Eid to everyone. The published images showed him walking through the market with an umbrella, smiling beside cows, and giving a thumbs-up next to a black goat.

The visit highlighted the ambassador’s engagement with local traditions and cultural practices in Bangladesh during one of the country’s most significant religious festivals.

Many Muslims across Bangladesh celebrated Eid-ul-Azha on Wednesday, aligning with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Congregational prayers were held in various districts including Chattogram, Dinajpur, Satkhira, Jamalpur, Chapainawabganj, Moulvibazar, Narayanganj, Chandpur, Faridpur, Naogaon, and others. In Chattogram, around 60 villages observed the festival, with the main congregation at Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif led by Dr. Maulana Muhammad Maksudur Rahman. Similar prayers and sacrifices took place in Dinajpur, Satkhira, and Jamalpur, where thousands joined in religious observance.

In Dinajpur, prayers were held in six upazilas, while in Satkhira, residents of 25 villages participated in early Eid prayers. Jamalpur saw congregations in at least 20 villages across three upazilas. Other districts such as Chapainawabganj, Moulvibazar, and Chandpur also reported widespread participation, with local religious leaders leading prayers and communities performing animal sacrifices.

The celebrations reflected a long-standing tradition among followers of certain religious groups in Bangladesh who observe Eid based on Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting and calendar.

Saudi Arabia and several other countries are set to celebrate Eid al-Adha tomorrow, according to reports published on May 26, 2026. The celebration will take place across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Muslim-majority nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Tunisia have also confirmed that they will observe the festival on the same day.

Preparations for Eid prayers, animal sacrifices, and public holidays have already been completed in these countries. In addition, many Muslim communities in Europe and North America are expected to celebrate Eid al-Adha tomorrow in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s announcement.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh and several South Asian countries are expected to observe the festival a day later. Across the Muslim world, the occasion is being marked with both religious solemnity and festive enthusiasm.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has completed all preparations for the main Eid congregation at the National Eidgah grounds in the capital. The event will be attended by President Md. Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, cabinet members, judges, senior officials, and foreign diplomats. DSCC Administrator Md. Abdus Salam said on Monday, May 25, that extensive arrangements have been made to ensure a disciplined and comfortable prayer experience with modern facilities, security, and separate sections for men and women.

The Eidgah covers about 30,000 square meters, including a 25,400-square-meter prayer pavilion accommodating around 35,000 worshippers in 121 rows. Special arrangements have been made for 250 VIP men and 80 VIP women, while separate spaces are designated for 31,000 general male and 3,500 female worshippers. Four entry gates and seven exit gates have been set up, along with ablution facilities for 140 people, air conditioning, fans, lighting, safe drinking water, carpets, and prayer mats.

Fire safety, medical services, mobile toilets, and rain protection measures have also been arranged. Organizers said all preparations are complete to ensure a safe, comfortable, and spiritually solemn environment for the Eid prayers.

An article published on May 26, 2026, in *Amar Desh* by Syed Abdal Ahmad describes the Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, as the most sacred day in the Islamic calendar. The report explains that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared Arafah as the essence of Hajj, emphasizing that standing in Arafat is the central pillar of the pilgrimage. The day is described as one of divine mercy and forgiveness, when Allah frees countless believers from hellfire and accepts their prayers.

The article details the spiritual practices associated with Arafah, including fasting for non-pilgrims, reciting specific supplications, and engaging in remembrance of Allah. It recounts that Islam was declared complete on this day through a Quranic revelation and that Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon at Arafat. The piece also outlines the rituals performed by pilgrims, such as standing in Arafat, proceeding to Muzdalifah, and later performing sacrifice and tawaf.

The report concludes with sermons from the imams of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, who emphasized the obligation, virtues, and sincerity required in performing Hajj, urging Muslims to fulfill it promptly when able.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam has urged everyone to work together to build a peaceful and harmonious society inspired by the ideals of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. He made the remarks on Monday while presiding over a commemorative meeting marking the poet’s 127th birth anniversary.

The Vice-Chancellor said Nazrul’s life and literature teach resistance against injustice and inspire the creation of a non-communal society. He described Nazrul as a poet of equality, rebellion, love, and peace, emphasizing the need to keep his philosophy alive through research and practice. He expressed hope that Nazrul’s multidimensional spirit would continue to inspire social transformation.

The event was attended by the university’s pro-vice chancellors, treasurer, and faculty members. Professor Dr. Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Nazrul: Poet of Rebellion and Life.” Teachers and students from the Department of Music performed Nazrul songs, while participants paid tribute at the poet’s grave earlier in the day.