Thousands of worshippers gathered at Sylhet Shahi Eidgah for the main Eid ul-Fitr congregation on Monday.
The congregation, which started at 8:30 AM, was led by Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, the Imam and Khatib of the Bandar Bazaar Central Jame Masjid. Prior to the prayer, a sermon was delivered by Hafiz Maulana Kamal Uddin, the Imam and Khatib of the same mosque.
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SMP’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media), Mohammad Saiful Islam, said, “The sacred Eid ul-Fitr congregation was held at the Shahi Eidgah with the participation of thousands of worshippers under adequate security arrangements.”
Notably, the sermon and the supplication following the prayers were led by the renowned scholar of the subcontinent, Shaykhul Hadith Allama Mufti Rashidur Rahman Faruk (Baruni). During the prayer’s conclusion, worshippers raised their hands in heartfelt supplication, seeking forgiveness for their sins. Many were moved to tears as they prayed for peace, welfare, and the well-being of the nation, as well as for the Muslim community worldwide.
After the prayer, a spirit of unity and warmth filled the air as worshippers greeted each other with hugs, creating a harmonious atmosphere across the Eidgah grounds.
The congregation at the Eidgah saw the participation of various political leaders, senior administrative officials, journalists, and people from different professions, all coming together to offer their prayers.
This year, Sylhet’s second-largest Eid congregation was held at the Dargah Hazrat Shah Jalal (R.) shrine mosque, while the third-largest congregation took place at the Aliya Madrasa field. In addition to these, Eid congregations were also held at Kudrat Ullah Jame Masjid, Shah Paran (R.) shrine mosque, and the Tabligh Jamaat gathering place at Khozarakhla Jame Masjid.
According to the police administration, a total of 2,846 Eid congregations took place in Eidgahs and mosques throughout Sylhet district and city. Of these, 392 congregations were held in Sylhet city, with 305 held in mosques and 87 in Eidgah. In the wider Sylhet district, 2,454 Eid congregations took place, with 2,043 in mosques and 411 in Eidgah. This information was confirmed by both the Sylhet District and Metropolitan Police and the Islamic Foundation.
Given the changed circumstances this year, the Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) and district police established a special security ring for the first Eid celebration. Strict security measures were also implemented for the Eid congregations and in the subsequently quieter city and tourist spots.
To ensure safety, the police established a four-layer security ring around the Eid congregations. Traffic and patrol police were stationed at checkpoints, and thorough searches were conducted in the Eidgah grounds and surrounding areas.
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Additionally, all police units remained on high alert to prevent crimes such as house thefts, highway robberies, and muggings in the deserted streets. The Tourist Police were also prepared to provide enhanced security in tourist areas.