Devotees going to mosques for Jumma prayer sent back

Despite the government suspending prayers for the public at all mosques, devotees were still gathering at the gates of mosques to offer Jumma prayer on Friday, but they were sent away by mosque authorities as well as law enforcement.

Following the government directive, many mosques in the capital even gave announcements requesting people to avoid going to mosques and to pray at home, reports Bangla Tribune.

Still people in areas including Mirpur and Mohammadpur gathered in front of mosques, the mosque authorities however did not let them enter the mosque.

People also started gathering in front of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after the azaan, but law enforcement agencies sent them back. 

The law enforcement agencies also did not allow more than 10 people at a time inside the mosque. Afterward, many were seen performing their Jumma prayer on the footpath.

On April 6, the government ordered people to pray inside their houses.

According to the emergency notice issued by the Religious Affairs Ministry the Imam, Khatib, Muyazzin and other staff, not exceeding five people can offer prayers at mosques.

They can also perform Jumma prayers, but the jamaat must be limited to 10 people.