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Published : 31 Mar 2025, 04:21 PM
For the first time in 17 years, Bangladesh's head of government joined the main Eid prayer congregation at Dhaka's National Eidgah grounds. Monday marked a return to tradition as Muhammad Yunus, the interim government's chief advisor, took part in the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers alongside people from all walks of life.
Worshippers were visibly enthusiastic to see the de facto prime minister offering Eid prayers beside them after such a long gap -- a sentiment warmly acknowledged by Yunus.
Following the prayer and just before the munajat, or supplication, the chief advisor briefly addressed the crowd with Eid greetings. After the munajat, he greeted worshippers near the bamboo fence separating dignitaries from the general public, shaking hands with many and exchanging smiles as he exited the prayer grounds.
The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation in the capital took place at 8:30am at the National Eidgah grounds next to the High Court.
Alongside Yunus, Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain, former advisor and National Citizen Party Convenor Nahid Islam, and other dignitaries attended the prayer.
Security arrangements were tight, with a bamboo-fenced area behind the imam reserved for high-profile participants, including the chief advisor. Around 250 people were allowed in this zone. Members of the public prayed outside the enclosure.
As Yunus arrived, many from the crowd gathered near the fence to catch a glimpse of him. Security personnel repeatedly requested the crowd to return to their places, and most complied after a short while.
A similar situation arose during Yunus’s address. Some people stood up and moved forward to listen more closely, prompting others to ask them to sit down. Eventually, the crowd settled.
Beginning his Eid message, the chief advisor said: "Today, Eid congregations are being held in every village, every market, every town, and every city in Bangladesh. On behalf of the nation, we wish everyone who has taken part in these congregations Eid Mubarak. We also extend Eid greetings to those who couldn’t attend the prayers.
“To our mothers and sisters at home, we wish you Eid Mubarak on behalf of the nation. To our expatriate workers abroad, who have laboured throughout the year and may or may not be able to join Eid prayers today, we also extend our heartfelt Eid greetings.”
He continued, "Today is a day to build an unbreakable unity. We want to forge a permanent unity. This is our wish at the Eid congregation."
After the speech, the imam led the munajat, praying for the well-being of the people. Yunus then walked to the edge of the bamboo fence and began greeting members of the public.
Standing on one side of the enclosure, he extended his hand to greet the crowd. People of all ages came forward to shake hands with the chief advisor.
As the crowd swelled, some jostling occurred, prompting his security detail into action.
Making his way to the exit, Yunus continued shaking hands with a smile to a chorus of "Eid Mubarak, sir!" He eventually left the Eidgah grounds in a wave of well-wishes and warmth.
