The Holy Ramadan, the lunar month of self-purification through fasting and abstinence, begins in the country today as the new crescent moon was sighted in Bangladesh sky yesterday.

Lailatul Qadr, the night of divine blessing and benediction, will be observed on the night of June 1.

The National Moon Sighting Committee made the decision at a meeting at the Islamic Foundation office at Baitul Mukarram, with State Minister for Religious Affairs Sheikh Md Abdullah in the chair.

Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, a time of restraint and austerity, during the lunar month.

All government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous organisations will follow new office timings during the holy month as announced by the government.

All these offices will remain open from 9:00am to 3:30pm with a break from 1:15pm to 1:30pm for Zohr prayers during the month.