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Fez – The Markazi Chand Committee, responsible for moon sightings in Bangladesh, has not sighted the crescent moon on Friday and therefore Ramadan will commence March 2.
Taraweeh prayers, the extra prayers performed nightly during Ramadan, will commence at the start of the holy month. Held after the Isha prayer, these prayers are an essential part of Ramadan’s spiritual practices, drawing large crowds to mosques across the country.
Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation where around 91% of the population follows Islam, experiences a vibrant and deeply rooted Ramadan culture.
The holy month is marked by increased religious observance, charitable activities, and a strong sense of community.
Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory for adult Muslims, with exemptions for the sick, elderly, travelers, and pregnant or nursing women.
Along with abstaining from food and drink, fasting also includes refraining from smoking, marital relations, and negative behaviors such as gossiping or arguing.
As the sun sets, families, friends, and even strangers come together to break their fast with Iftar. The fast- breaking meal traditionally begins with dates and water, followed by a variety of local delicacies such as piyaju (lentil fritters), beguni (battered eggplant), chhola (spiced chickpeas), and jalebi (sweet fried dough).
Many mosques and charities distribute free Iftar meals to the less fortunate, emphasizing the importance of giving during this sacred month.
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, is another significant aspect of Ramadan, with many Bangladeshis waking up early to prepare and enjoy a nutritious meal before the fast begins. In cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, food vendors stay open late into the night, selling hot parathas, kebabs, and milk-based drinks to those preparing for the long fasting hours ahead.
The holy month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival celebrated with prayers, feasts, and the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a charity that ensures everyone, including the less fortunate, can partake in the celebrations. Ramadan in Bangladesh is not just a religious obligation, it is a time of unity, reflection, and generosity.
