Most leaders head home for Eid
Most ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) of the BNP, which has returned to power after a prolonged political struggle, are set to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in their respective constituencies, sharing the occasion with families, party leaders, activists and the general public.
Party sources said Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed leaders and activists to celebrate Eid with local communities, highlighting a spirit of inclusiveness and public engagement.
BNP leaders noted that, for nearly 17 years, they were unable to celebrate Eid in a favourable political environment. This year, however, marks a significant change, making the festival not only a religious occasion but also one of political significance.
After 17 years, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will celebrate Eid in the capital with his family. He is expected to offer prayers in Dhaka and later exchange greetings with diplomats, political leaders, ministers, MPs, eminent citizens, scholars, and senior officials at the State Guest House Jamuna from 10:00am.
Opposition leader in parliament and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman MP, will offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayers with residents of his constituency, Dhaka-15. Following the prayers, he will exchange Eid greetings with people from all walks of life.
He is also scheduled to exchange Eid-ul-Fitr greetings with diplomats from foreign missions in Dhaka between 11:00am and 12:30pm. Later in the day, from 3:00pm to 4:30pm, he will meet political leaders and members of the citizens at his official residence at 29 Minto Road.
Senior leaders and ministers will join Eid congregations at venues including the National Eidgah Maidan before attending greeting programmes at Jamuna.
Many are also scheduled to pay homage at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia before travelling to their constituencies.
BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will celebrate Eid in Dhaka and travel to Thakurgaon the following day. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury will celebrate in Chittagong, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed is expected to visit Cox’s Bazar after Eid.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan told The New Nation that Eid is a festival celebrated by all and extended his greetings to the nation. He described this year’s Eid as historic, being the first under the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after 17 years of authoritarian rule. The minister said the occasion adds a new dimension to the bond between the government and the people across the country. Women, Children and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain is scheduled to observe Eid in Dhaka, Rafiqul Islam, PRO of the ministry, told The New Nation.
Several other ministers, including those in charge of power and energy, health, and environment, will remain in Dhaka, while others will travel to districts such as Dinajpur, Barisal, Comilla, Manikganj and Rajshahi to mark the occasion with local residents.
Senior leaders are also expected to celebrate Eid in regions including Sylhet, Rangamati, Lalmonirhat and Narsingdi, reflecting nationwide engagement during the festival.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mirza Abbas is undergoing treatment in Singapore and will be absent. Other advisers, including Nazrul Islam Khan and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, will celebrate Eid in Dhaka.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and other parliamentary leaders are likewise expected to celebrate Eid in their respective constituencies.
Many ministers and state ministers plan to travel to their home districts after Eid prayers in Dhaka, while some will return to the capital after marking the occasion locally, highlighting their dual role in official duties and community engagement during the festival.
