On this day, the 10th of Zilhaj, some 3800 years ago, Prophet Ibrahim (A) offered to sacrifice his beloved son Prophet Ismail (A) for the satisfaction of Almighty Allah. But in spite of his willingness, Ismail (A) was spared by Allah (A) and a ram was sacrificed instead.

To commemorate this historic incident, Muslims all over the world slaughter sacrificial animals on this day and draw inspiration from the unique example of sacrifice for Allah laid down by the two great prophets.

The government has drawn up elaborate programmes on the occasion that include arrangement of Eid congregation at the National Eidgah Maidan, hoisting of national flag atop government and non-government buildings, decoration of main roads and traffic islands with national flag and flags inscribed with `Eid Mubarak' and illumination of the main government buildings.

A three-day public holiday begins today. Many city-dwellers have already left for their native villages or towns to celebrate Eid with near and dear ones.

The day begins with Eid congregations, generally held at open grounds and mosques. Well-off Muslims will then sacrifice animals in the name of Allah and share the sacrificial meat with the poor.

The main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah Maidan at 8:00am. "In case of inclement weather, the main congregation would be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at the same time," said a Dhaka City Corporation press release.

There will be special arrangements for women as well as foreign ambassadors and diplomats and their wives in the main congregation, said the release.

There will be five congregations at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the first one at 7:00am and the last at 11:15am.

State-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar as well as private electronic media will air special programmes while national dailies will publish special supplements on Eid-ul-Azha.

Improved diets will be served at hospitals, jails, government-run children's homes and vagrant and destitute welfare centres across the country.

President Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages congratulating the countrymen on the occasion.

President Iajuddin Ahmed said the commemorative rituals of Eid-ul-Azha consolidate the unity, solidarity and fraternity of the "Muslim nation".

"This festival, suffused with the glory of sacrifice, inspires Muslims with self-sacrifice and humility in attaining satisfaction of Almighty Allah," the president said.

In her message, the prime minister urged all to establish brotherhood and friendship and build bonds of fraternity, "sinking all differences".

She also called upon the countrymen to establish peace through "eradicating all sorts of injustice and conflict from society".

The opposition leader in her message said, "We will have to stand beside the humiliated humanity" following the ideals of Prophets Ibrahim (A) and Ismail (A) as well as Prophet Muhammad (SM).

She made a mention of the myriad odds prevailing in the country -- price hike of essentials, gas, electricity and water, and mugging, killing, terrorism, "political persecution", and "anarchic situation" in educational institutions and administration.

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the heads of government and state of Muslim countries have sent messages greeting President Iajuddin Ahmed and the people of Bangladesh.

In their messages they prayed to Almighty Allah for the continued peace and prosperity of Bangladesh and welfare of its people. The statesmen of Islamic nations also wished greater unity of the Muslim ummah.