Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of religious sacrifices for Muslims, was celebrated across the country Thursday.

Festivities will continue for at least three more days during when it is permissible to sacrifice animals and earn the blessings of Almighty Allah. People from all walks of life will continue to uphold the spirit of devotion.

On Friday, special prayers and sermons will be delivered at mosques during the noon prayers.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Muslim devotees launched the celebrations by offering Eid prayers at Eidgahs and mosques across the country.

In the congregations, Islamic scholars and preachers spoke about the significance of sacrifice for Allah and its real-world implications.

After the prayers, people exchanged Eid greetings, strengthening the bonds of fraternity and harmony.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in separate messages, had already extended greetings to the countrymen.

Leaders of different political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, also conveyed Eid greetings.

The main Eid congregation in the capital was held at the National Eidgah adjacent to the High Court premises. The President, the Prime Minister, judges, diplomats, political leaders and people from different professions were expected to join.

Authorities took special security measures centering the congregation.

After offering Eid prayers, Muslims sacrificed animals seeking the blessings of the Almighty Allah.

The practice of sacrificing livestock animals commemorates the supreme devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) following Allah’s command.

The Almighty Allah later replaced Ismail (AS) with a sacrificial animal, symbolising the spirit of faith and sacrifice.

To highlight the festival, government, semi-government and autonomous institution buildings have been illuminated.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels are airing special programmes on the occasion.

Special meals will also be served at hospitals, orphanages, prisons and child care centres.

Eid-ul-Azha is also deeply linked with the holy Hajj. Eid celebrations started earlier in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as the crescent moon for the Arabic month of Dhul Hijja was spotted earlier in that country. By Wednesday, Hajj pilgrims had already performed major rituals at Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.

Many countries around the world began celebrations on Wednesday in line with Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, a long holiday began on 25 May in Bangladesh marking the Eid festival.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will remain closed from 25  May to 31 May.

However, emergency services, including hospitals, healthcare, fire service, electricity, water, gas, internet, media and postal services, will remain operational during the holidays.

Officials and employees engaged in those sectors will continue their duties as usual.

Media organisations have also announced a five-day Eid holiday, resulting in no newspaper publication from 27 May to 31 May.

To ensure smooth Eid journeys, the government has taken various measures, including keeping all CNG and filling stations open.

Authorities have also warned of immediate action against passenger harassment and travel-related sufferings.