Shab-e-Barat on May 11

The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, will be observed across the country on May 11 with due religious fervor as the Shaban moon was sighted in the sky yesterday.

The National Moon Sighting Committee made the decision at a meeting at the Islamic Foundation office at Baitul Mukarram in the evening, said an Islamic Foundation handout.

Joint Secretary of the religious affairs ministry ABM Amin Ullah chaired the meeting where respective government officials were present.

On receiving information from different deputy commissioners, met office, SPARSO (Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization), the meeting declared that the moon was sighted in the sky of Bangladesh yesterday, 29th Rajab in the Arabic calendar.

Therefore, the holy month of Shaban starts today. The holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed in the country on the night of 14th of Saban (May 11).  

Friday's weekly holiday will coincide with the public holiday for the Shab-e-Barat this year.

Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, recite from the holy Quran, hold milads, zikr and perform other religious rituals throughout the night, seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind.

Devotees traditionally also visit graves of their beloved ones and pray for the peace of their souls on the occasion.

Many people fast on the day following Shab-e-Barat night. Some people distribute food and sweets among neighbours and the poor.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television and radio stations will air special programmes.

The daily newspapers will publish special articles highlighting the significance of the night.