The Central Eidgah ground in Cox’s Bazar is fully prepared to host Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, with two congregations scheduled for the morning, continuing the practice of the past three years.
The first congregation will be held at 8:00 am and will be led by Allama Mahmudul Haque, a longtime preacher at Cox’s Bazar Central Jame Mosque, now known as the district model mosque. The second congregation will take place at 9:00 am, led by Maulana Mufti Solaiman Qasemi, preacher of the Central Eidgah ground Jame Mosque.
The decision was taken at a preparation meeting held on March 16, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mannan and moderated by Additional Deputy Commissioner Imran Hossain Sajib.
Initially, there was a plan to hold the prayers in an open field without a tent to reduce costs. However, participants at the meeting decided to construct a full canopy over the Eidgah ground to ensure a comfortable environment for worshippers. No waterproof covering will be placed over the canopy, meaning rain could cause temporary inconvenience.
Administrative officer of Cox’s Bazar municipality, Saiyadul Haque Azad, said that nearly 100 workers are engaged in two shifts to install the canopy and complete other preparations. Around 70 per cent of the work has already been completed, with the remaining expected to be finished by the night of March 19.
He added that municipal officials directly supervise the arrangements, decorating the entire Eidgah ground and surrounding roads. The municipal administrator and other officials, including engineers, have already inspected the preparations.
According to the organisers, the large canopy structure is about 16 feet high and covers around 60,000 square feet.
Authorities said that worshippers will be able to enter the ground through five gates. Facilities have been arranged to accommodate 200 people for ablution at a time, and adequate drinking water will be provided. Each attendee will be offered perfume, 500 ml of mineral water, dates, and tissues upon entry.
A monitoring cell will remain active throughout the event. In addition, decorative gateways and banners are being installed at key points across the town.
Police sources said that maximum security measures have been taken for the Eid congregations, including the installation of high-capacity CCTV cameras and round-the-clock surveillance by law enforcement agencies.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
