The first congregation of Eid-ul-Azha prayers took place at the national mosque Baitul Mukarram on Thursday morning in a festive and solemn religious atmosphere.

Thousands of worshippers from different parts of the capital joined the first jamaat, which began at 7:00am.

Hafez Maulana Mufti Md Mizanur Rahman led the prayers, while mosque muezzin Qari Ishaq performed duties as the mukabbir.

After the prayers, devotees offered special prayers seeking peace, prosperity and wellbeing for the country, the nation and the Muslim Ummah.

The congregation also prayed for oppressed Muslims in different parts of the world, including Palestine.

Continuing its annual tradition, the national mosque arranged five Eid congregations this year.

A total of five Eid congregations are scheduled to be held at the national mosque. Following the first jamaat, the remaining four will take place at 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am and 10:45am respectively.

Islamic Foundation Zakat Fund Division Director Dr Maulana Waliur Rahman Khan led the second jamaat, while Mufti Md Abdullah of the Islamic Foundation led the third congregation.

Deputy Director of the Religious Preaching and Culture Division Maulana Mohammad Nur Uddin led the fourth jamaat.

Religious instructor of the Islamic Foundation Imam Training Academy Jubair Ahmad Al-Azhari led the fifth congregation.

Authorities said Assistant Librarian Md Shahidul Islam of the Islamic Foundation would serve as a reserve imam if any designated imam remained absent.

Khadim Md Shamsul Haque performed duties as the reserve mukabbir.