The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The holy fasting month of Ramzan begins today (Friday) in the country as the Ramzan moon was seen Thursday evening.

The decision came from a meeting of the national moon sighting commitee chaired by Religious Affairs Adviser Major General (Retd) Matiur Rahman.The meeting also decided that holy Lailatul Qadr will be held on October 9.

The National Moon-sighting Commitee today took the decision in a meeting held at the Islamic Foundation (Baitul Mukarram) to review reports on moon-sighting for the holy month of Ramadan, 1428 Hijri. Chairman of the commitee and Religious Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Dr ASM Matiur Rahman presided over the meeting. Religious Affairs Secretary M Ataur Rahman, Director General of Islamic Foundation M Fazlur Rahman, Additional Secretary to Information Ministry Sayed Hasinur Rahman, Deputy Director General of Bangladesh Betar Nasimul Quader Chowdhury, Deputy Director of Meteorological Department Shah Alam and Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram Maulana Obidul Haq were present among others, at the meeting.

President Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed in separate messages greeted the countrymen and Muslim Ummah on this occasion.

In his message the President hoped that "sanctity and teachings of Ramzan would be reflected in life of all of us".

The Chief Adviser urged all to maintain "sanctity, restraint, tolerance, amity and brotherhood during the holy month". Meanwhile, the government has taken various measures for a smooth run of the month of fasting and celebration of the religious festival of Eid-ul-Fitre at the month-end. In the wake of price rises, makeshift fair-price shops have been opened in the capital city and across the country.