Ramadan 2026 in Bangladesh: Expected to Start on February 18

Millions of Muslims across Bangladesh are preparing for a month of fasting, prayer, and charity as religious authorities and astronomical forecasts point to a mid-February start for the holy month.

Agadir – Ramadan 2026 in Bangladesh is expected to begin on February 18, though the exact start will depend on the traditional sighting of the crescent moon, which determines the beginning of each Islamic lunar month.

Some projections suggest the month may officially start on February 19, if the moon is sighted locally on February 18, with fasting beginning the following day.

Final confirmation is made by national religious authorities shortly before the start of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the most sacred periods in Islam. During this time, Muslims fast daily from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs while focusing on prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection. The month is also associated with increased Quran recitation and community worship.

In Bangladesh, Ramadan is not classified as an official public holiday, but it is widely observed across the country. Daily life often adapts to fasting schedules, and businesses or schools may adjust hours during the month.

The duration of Ramadan typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the next moon sighting near the end of the month. This lunar-based system means the dates shift earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Ramadan traditions in Bangladesh

One of the most important aspects of Ramadan in Bangladesh, as is the same around the world, is the strong community atmosphere. Many people gather in mosques for daily prayers and especially for extended night prayers (Taraweeh).

Charity is also central to Ramadan practice, with families and organizations distributing food and financial assistance to people in need, reflecting the broader Islamic emphasis on Zakat and charity.

Food culture plays a major role in the country’s Ramadan identity. In cities such as Dhaka, streets and markets become highly active in the late afternoon as people buy traditional iftar foods.

Common items include chickpeas, puffed rice, and fried snacks such as piyaju (onion fritters) and beguni (fried eggplant). Sweet foods like jilapi (a syrupy fried dessert) and hearty dishes such as haleem are also widely consumed during the evening meal that breaks the fast.