The holy month of Ramadan of 1445 Hijri will begin in the country tomorrow as the new moon was sighted in the sky of Bangladesh on Monday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee at the conference room of Islamic Foundation (IF) at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque here this evening, said a press release.

Religious Affairs Minister and National Moon Sighting Committee President Faridul Haque Khan presided over the meeting.

As per the decision, the holy Shab-e-Qadr or Lailatul Qadr, the night when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), will be observed in the night of April 6 (Saturday night).

Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the Ramadan, a time of restraint and austerity.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the countrymen as well as global Muslim Ummah as the holy month of Ramadan begins tomorrow.

In a message President Shahabuddin said, “This holy month brings a unique opportunity of getting closer to the Almighty Allah and attaining taqwa (fear of Allah) . . . the month is being observed by the world Muslim community with due dignity and religious solemnity to attain self-restraint, self-purification and forgiveness.”

The Head of the State said the fasting plays a vital role in establishing sympathy, amity and brotherhood among all, including the rich and the poor.

Noting that it is the responsibility of all to protect the sanctity of Ramadan, he hoped that everyone would contribute to the formation of a peaceful society by realizing the significance of fasting and reflecting it in the lives of individuals as well as the society.

Referring to the war and various socio-political crises, the President said the world economy has fallen into recession while Bangladesh is also suffering economically.

He urged the rich and well-off people of the society to extend their helping hands for poor people of the country during the month of Ramadan.

The President specially requested country’s business community to ensure the supply of essentials daily, including foodstuff and keep the prices within the people’s purchasing capacity during the holy month of Ramadan.

At the same time, President Shahabuddin called upon the affluent people of the society to come forward to help the helpless, distressed and poor people.

Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said this holy month creates an opportunity of self-rectification through self-restraint and getting closer to the Almighty and satisfaction and forgiveness of the Almighty Allah.

The fasting plays a vital role in establishing sympathy, amity and brotherhood among all, including the rich and poor, she also said.

 “Let’s be inspired by the teachings of the holy Ramadan and avoid all indulgences, hatred, over-enthusiasm and conflict, and protect the sanctity of Ramadan by showing modesty, patience and restraint in all walks of life,” the premier added.

She called for avoiding all kinds of superstitions and to promote the spirit of Islam, the religion of peace at all levels of individual, social and national life.

Sheikh Hasina prayed to Almighty Allah for the future progress, peace, prosperity and welfare of the beloved motherland Bangladesh as well as the Muslim ummah to implement the teachings of the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayers, fasting, giving charity and religious devotion.
All government, semi-government and private offices have arranged new office schedule.