A total of five Eid-congregations (Jamaat) was held at Baitul Mukarram, the National mosque of Bangladesh in phases on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious festivals of Muslims. Azim Khan Ronnie said, "Millions of Muslim devotees attended the first congregation of Eid-ul-Fitr prayer at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, praying for an end to the coronavirus pandemic that spread across Bangladesh. The holiday comes at the end of a difficult Ramadan that saw a spike in COVID-19 cases. Restrictions hampered the traditional morning prayer service, forcing devotees to pray while distanced from their fellows." "The first congregation at the national mosque was held at 7am this morning (Friday). The gathering prayed for those who were sick with coronavirus and for the souls who had passed due to the pandemic. They also prayed for the welfare of the country and its people, and asked Allah to protect the nation." "Prior to the services, the authorities repeatedly urged the devotees to follow the health protocol and also delivered sermons through the loudspeakers. Muslims, including the elderly and children, arrived to take part in the Eid prayer, braving the severity of coronavirus infection." "Like last year, the government has not approved prayer services at Eidgahs or open fields because of the pandemic, only allowing congregations at mosques. Everyone wore a mask while entering the mosque, but some were seen to take theirs off once the service ended." Please byline: Azim Khan Ronnie/Solent News ?? Azim Khan Ronnie/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800