Sholakia Eidgah ready for Eid congregation; prayers to begin at 9am

Preparations have been completed for the 199th Eid-ul-Adha congregation at the historic Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj, with authorities putting in place extensive security and logistical arrangements for what is considered the largest Eid congregation in Bangladesh.

The Eid Jamaat will be held at 9:00am on Eid day, with Mufti Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah set to lead the congregation.

Known for its rich history and religious significance, the Sholakia Eidgah attracts Muslims from across Bangladesh and abroad every year.

Officials said the number of devotees attending the congregation has continued to grow steadily.

Located on nearly seven acres of land on the bank of the Narasunda River, the Eidgah was established in 1828 by Dewan Haybat Khan Bahadur, the sixth-generation descendant of Masnad-i-Ala Isa Khan and a local zamindar.

The venue was originally known as "Sowa Lakhhi Math" after around 125,000 devotees attended the first congregation. Over time, the name evolved into Sholakia.

Authorities have completed preparations at the ground, including marking 265 rows for devotees, clearing weeds, and filling small pits to ensure a smooth prayer area.

A four-tier security arrangement involving police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been put in place to ensure a peaceful congregation, according to RAB-14.

Locals said Sholakia remains unique for hosting one of the largest Eid congregations in the region, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees seeking to offer prayers together and pray for divine blessings.

However, some locals expressed concern over what they described as inadequate preservation and maintenance of the historic Eidgah despite its cultural and religious significance.

Deputy Commissioner and President of the Sholakia Eidgah Management Committee Sohana Nasrin said two special trains, branded as "Sholakia Express," will operate on the Bhairab-Kishoreganj and Mymensingh-Kishoreganj routes to facilitate the movement of people on Eid day.

She said the district administration has arranged accommodation, food, safe drinking water, medical services, toilets, and ablution facilities for devotees arriving from distant areas.

Executive magistrates will also remain on duty to deal with any emergency situation.

Kishoreganj Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said elaborate security measures have been taken to ensure a safe and uninterrupted congregation.

Muslims will be screened before entering the Eidgah through designated points.

Security arrangements include 32 checkpoints, seven archways, 50 metal detectors, 64 CCTV cameras, and four watchtowers.

Bomb disposal teams from different units will remain on standby, while police drones will monitor the area from the air.

RAB-14 officials said more than 100 personnel will be deployed in multiple security layers around the venue.

Several watchtowers have been set up for surveillance, with snipers and other security personnel stationed at strategic locations.

Drone and binocular surveillance will also be used throughout the event.

Kishoreganj-1 lawmaker Mazharul Islam expressed optimism that this year's Eid congregation would be held in a safe, peaceful, and orderly manner and urged devotees to return home safely after the prayers.

Following the long-standing tradition of Sholakia Eidgah, three gunshots will be fired before the congregation begins as a signal for devotees to prepare for the Eid prayers.