90 villages in South Chittagong celebrate Eid today

Today, lakhs of people in more than 90 villages across South Chittagong are joyfully celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, one day ahead of the official date observed in most of Bangladesh.

Followers of Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif in Satkania and Lohagara have aligned their observance with Saudi Arabia's moon sighting tradition, beginning their Ramadan fasting with sehri on February 17 and now marking Eid today, Friday.

This practice has continued for around 200 years, ever since Hazrat Maulana Mokhlesur Rahman Jahangiri (RA) of Mirzakhil village issued a fatwa to follow the Hanafi Madhhab and observe fasting and Eid based on moon sightings anywhere in the world—particularly prioritising announcements from the Arab world, including Saudi Arabia.

In line with this long-standing religious precept, the community confirms moon sighting news through local and international media before proceeding.

Muhammad Jalalul Hai, in-charge of Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif, explained that as Hanafi followers, they verify Saudi Arabia's moon sighting reports and will hold Eid prayers at 8 am today, scientifically considering the moon's position.

He emphasised that this is their established religious approach and not intended as opposition to others.

The celebration spans numerous villages in upazilas such as Satkania (including Mirzakhil, Chotohatia, and Ashartali), Lohagara (Kalauzan, Barahatia, Chunati), Banshkhali (Chanua, Chambal, Shekherkhil), Chandanaish, Boalkhali, Anwara, and Patiya (including Haidgaon, Bahuli, Bhelapara, and Mohammad Nagar).

While Bangladesh's National Moon Sighting Committee determines the official dates for Ramadan and Eid nationwide—leading most people to celebrate tomorrow—the Islamic Foundation's Lohagara officer Md. Rashedul Islam noted that certain communities have long followed Saudi Arabia's decisions locally.

The administration views this as a peaceful, centuries-old custom and does not interfere unless law and order issues arise.