City corporations ready for Eid congregations in Dhaka

The two Dhaka city corporations have completed preparations to host central Eid-ul-Fitr congregations in the capital, with major jamaats scheduled at the National Eidgah and the old trade fair ground in Agargaon.

The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will organise the main Eid congregation at the National Eidgah at 8:30am, where around 35,000 worshippers will be able to offer prayers simultaneously. The event carries special significance this year, as the president and the prime minister are expected to offer prayers together at the venue for the first time in more than three decades.

According to DSCC officials, up to 100,000 worshippers will be able to participate in the jamaat, including those praying in adjacent open spaces and nearby roads if the main ground reaches capacity.

Preparation of the Eidgah ground involved nearly a month of work, including a 28-day intensive effort by more than 100 workers. The large canopy structure has been built using over 43,000 bamboo poles and reinforced with more than 15 tonnes of rope. To ensure protection from possible rainfall, around 1,900 tarpaulins have been installed, along with nearly 900 tube lights for illumination.

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DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort of worshippers. Separate prayer areas and entry points have been designated for men and women, with facilities for around 3,500 female worshippers.

The ground has been divided into 121 rows -- 65 large and 56 smaller ones. To ease heat-related discomfort, about 1,100 fans have been installed, including ceiling and stand fans, while air conditioning has been arranged for VIP sections.

Facilities for ablution have been set up to accommodate around 140 people at a time, with separate arrangements for men and women. Safe drinking water will be available throughout the venue.

Security arrangements include full CCTV coverage, four entry gates, and seven exit routes to ensure smooth movement. Two medical teams will remain on standby to provide emergency healthcare services.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam visited the venue yesterday and said the preparations were satisfactory. In case of adverse weather, the main congregation will be shifted to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9:00am.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has arranged another major Eid congregation at the old Trade Fair Ground in Agargaon, where prayers will be held at 8:00am.

DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan said comprehensive steps have been taken to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for worshippers. A steel-structured shed has been installed at the venue to protect attendees from possible rainfall.

Initial arrangements have been made for around 10,000 worshippers, with plans to expand capacity if turnout exceeds expectations. Separate prayer spaces and entry points have been arranged for women to ensure privacy and convenience.

Security measures include the installation of archways at entry points and the deployment of a significant number of law enforcement personnel across the venue.