Kishoreganj’s historic Sholakia Eidgah hosted the 199th Eid-ul-Fitr congregation on Saturday, drawing over a hundred thousand worshippers.

The prayer began at 10am, with roads leading to the Eidgah on the banks of the Narsunda River filled with devotees since early dawn.

Following the prayers, a special munajat (supplication) was offered, seeking peace for the country, the nation and the world. Upholding a tradition spanning two centuries, the Sholakia Eidgah field once again turned into a sea of people.

Mufti Abul Khair Muhammad Saifullah led the congregation as the imam. Textiles and Jute State Minister Shariful Alam, local Member of Parliament Mohammad Mazharul Islam, along with dignitaries, senior officials of the district administration and law enforcement agencies attended the prayers.

In line with tradition, gunfire signals were used to mark the start of the congregation. Three shots were fired 15 minutes before the prayer, two shots 10 minutes before, and one shot five minutes before.

The event was held under tight security arrangements, with law enforcement agencies establishing a four-tier security perimeter. Personnel from the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar were deployed across the field and surrounding areas. The entire area was monitored through drones and CCTV cameras.

At the venue, three ambulances, a medical team, a fire-fighting unit and scouts assisted worshippers as volunteers. For the convenience of attendees, two special trains arrived in Kishoreganj from Bhairab and Mymensingh.

FP/A