Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations are in full swing with joy and religious devotion in the northern districts of Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh. One of the largest gatherings took place at Gor-e-Shaheed Maidan in Dinajpur, starting at 9:00 am, led by Maulana Matiur Rahman Qasemi, the president of the Dinajpur District Imam Association. The congregation included people from various backgrounds such as politicians, officials, and professionals who came together to participate in the Eid prayers. Lawmaker Jahangir Alam from Dinajpur-3 and Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam also addressed the attendees, sharing messages of hope for unity and extending Eid greetings.
During the prayers, special supplications were made for the well-being of the nation, global peace, relief for Muslims affected by the crisis in the Middle East, as well as for the martyrs of the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising. The locals mentioned that Eid prayers at the venue have been a tradition predating 2017, but the attendance significantly increased after the construction of a Mughal-style minaret that year. This impressive 516 ft long structure boasts a 55 ft high prayer niche, 52 domes, two 60 ft high minarets on the ends, a 50 ft high minaret in the middle, and two prayer niches rising to 47 ft on each side. The architecture includes 32 arches, with each dome adorned with electric lights.
Inspired by the Mughal-era architectural style and designs from Masjid al-Nabawi, Kuwait, and Indonesia, the minaret was built at an estimated cost of Tk 4 crore. The Gore-e-Shaheed Boro Maidan, spanning 22 acres and covered in lush green grass, has long been a vibrant community hub, hosting various activities like sports, social gatherings, and cultural events. Attendees like Samir Uddin from Nilphamari expressed their joy in praying amidst a large gathering at the spacious field, finding inner peace in the experience.
Lokman Ali, who traveled from Pirganj, remarked on the added allure of the minaret, which motivated him to join the Eid congregation with friends. In Thakurgaon, the main Eid prayers were conducted at Baramath of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School, while in Panchagarh, the central Eidgah at Ramerdanga was the focal point for the celebrations. State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad participated in prayers at Menagram Eidgah in Boda upazila, urging worshippers to carry the lessons of fasting throughout the year by serving society and restraining greed.
