Ramadan starts today

The holy month of Ramadan begins today amidst religious fervour with the devout Muslims observing dawn-to-dusk fast for self-purification and divine blessings.
The Ramadan, ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered a period of restraint and austerity for the purgation of the souls. During the month, devotees focus on abstinence and prayers including Tarabi at night.
In separate messages President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia have greeted the countrymen.
President Zillur Rahman in his message said, “The lessons of the holy month of Ramadan should reflect in our life.” He prayed for the peace of the people of the country and the Muslim Ummah across the world.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “We get chance to get close to Allah through restraint and austerity for the purgation of the souls.”
She urged all to avoid all kinds of wrongdoing and work for peace in the society.
BNP Chairperson and leader of the opposition Begum Khaleda Zia prayed for happiness, peace and progress of the country and the Muslim Ummah on the eve of the holy month.
Different social and political organisations also conveyed their greetings to the people of the country.
The government has announced new office timings for the holy month. BSS adds, all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous offices will remain open from 9:30am to 4:00pm from Sunday to Thursday during the month.
Financial institutions and postal, telephone and railway departments, hospitals and state-owned industries will follow their own time table.
Meanwhile, at least 1,500 families in the Bhola district started fasting yesterday, one day ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, reports BSS.
They start fasting one day ahead of officially declared Ramadan and celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr accordingly every year.

Courtesy of The Daily Star