No mass gathering at mosques before and after prayers

The government has instructed all not to hold any meeting at mosques and other religious places across the country before and after prayers.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday, saying the decision was made in a bid to tackle coronavirus infections, reports ProthomAlo.

It also said the instruction had been issued to discourage mass gatherings at all mosques centering Friday's and other prayers, in addition to other religious places.

The ministry urged devotees to abide by the guidelines that it had issued two days ago over performing prayers at mosques.

At the same time, it requested all to maintain social distance and hygiene rules while performing Tarabi and other prayers at mosques. The same is applicable to other religious places too.

The ministry warned of legal action in case of breaching the directives.

On Monday, the religious affairs ministry issued some guidelines on offering prayers and maintaining health guidelines at mosques during the lockdown.

The guidelines said there should be arrangements for washing and sanitising hands at the mosque gate and everyone should wear a mask.

Everyone should go to mosques after performing wudu and Sunnah prayers at home. Hands must be washed with soap for 20 seconds.

Mosques must be sanitised five times daily before prayers and floor mats or carpets cannot be used. People should bring their own prayer mats with them to mosques.

Social distancing should be maintained in the prayer line.

Children, elderly people, sick, and those attending patients should refrain from going to mosques.

None can use prayer mats or topis (caps used by Muslims during prayers) of mosques. Sahri or iftar cannot be arranged at mosques.