Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hinted that the congregation of Eid-ul-Fitr will be limited this time due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
The premier came up with the hint on Monday morning while addressing a videoconference with the public representatives and officials of eight districts in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions on the coronavirus situation in the country.
The videoconference was aired live on state and private television channels from the prime minister's official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka.
While talking to an official of Sholakia Eidgah Maidan in Kishoreganj district, Sheikh Hasina said: "Sholakia used to hold the largest Eid congregation every year, but this year we may not be able to hold it as previous years.
"Perform prayers at home, and keep praying for us," she added.
On April 16, the prime minister urged the countrymen to perform Taraweeh prayers at their homes during the month of Ramadan.
"We will have to follow the instructions of the Islamic Foundation regarding Taraweeh prayers. You have to perform it at home instead of the mosque, because there is a chance of getting infected during public gatherings like this."
Earlier, the government suspended prayers for the public at all places of worship and religious institutions across the country in a bid to stop the further spread of the novel coronavirus.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued an emergency notice in this regard on April 6.
In the notice, the ministry said people would not be allowed to go to mosques to offer prayers, and urged the public to pray at home.
Muslims have been asked to offer Zuhr prayers on Friday instead of Jumma.
According to the notice, the Imam, Khatib, Muyazzin, and other staff, however, not more than five individuals can offer prayers at mosques. They can also offer Jumma prayers, but they must be limited to 10 people.
According to the directive, no one will be allowed to organize any religious functions involving mass gatherings. The government will not allow any religious gatherings, including religious training, Waz, Milad, Tafsir Mahfil, and Tabligh Jamaat, anywhere in the country.
The government announced such directives in line with religious principles as well as taking into account the deadly coronavirus situation worldwide.
Covid-19, a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus, has claimed 91 lives and infected 2,456 people in Bangladesh as of Sunday.
