A significant crowd convened at Azimpur cemetery in Dhaka starting on Tuesday evening to mark the auspicious night of Shab-e-Barat. Numerous families, friends, and neighbors from various parts of the city gathered to pay their respects to their deceased loved ones. Many view visiting graves on Shab-e-Barat as a meaningful tradition.
Typically, the cemetery’s two entrances close by 11:00 pm on regular days. However, for Shab-e-Barat, the gates remained open all night to accommodate visitors for prayers and remembrance. Alongside these visitors, a considerable number of underprivileged individuals gathered inside and outside the cemetery, hoping for financial aid, a common sight during religious events.
Irfan Hossain, accompanied by his wife and her sisters, traveled from Shewrapara to honor his late mother-in-law who passed away on July 11, 2025. Sharing that they visit her grave regularly, Irfan mentioned the special significance of this night for offering prayers for her soul.
Among the attendees seeking financial support was Rina Begum, who arrived at the cemetery around 11:00 pm with her disabled son. Rina, a resident of Kathalbagan, mentioned her work at a scrap shop and occasional need for assistance. She expressed hope for increased generosity on Shab-e-Barat, planning to stay overnight and return home at dawn.
Hafizur Rahman, the imam at Azimpur cemetery mosque, highlighted the historical significance of the cemetery dating back to the Mughal era, housing thousands of graves. He noted an average of 30 burials daily, a number that has slightly decreased due to the establishment of larger cemeteries in Dhaka. The cemetery spans 27.4 acres, with an estimated several hundred thousand visitors expected over a 24-hour period to offer prayers.
Meanwhile, vehicular traffic was restricted from the Eden College area to one of the cemetery gates. As of midnight, a steady stream of people continued to enter the graveyard, reflecting the observance and reverence for the night of Shab-e-Barat.
