Eid al-Adha in Bangladesh

Eid al-Adha is rooted in the Islamic account of Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son before God provided an animal in his place. Muslims have observed the festival for centuries during Dhu al-Hijjah. In Bangladesh, Qurbani traditions have become a major part of religious, family and community life.

The festival emphasises faith, sacrifice, generosity and support for relatives and people in need. It also has major economic importance because livestock markets, transport, food distribution and household spending increase substantially before Eid. The sharing of sacrificial meat helps extend the observance beyond individual families.

The day begins with Eid prayers, followed by the traditional Qurbani for households able to perform it. Meat is divided among family, relatives and people in need. Families prepare special meals, visit one another and spend time together. Livestock markets and household preparations are especially visible in the days before the festival.