The historic Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj hosted its 198th Eid-ul-Fitr congregation, maintaining its centuries-old tradition. The prayer started at 10:00 AM on Monday (March 31), led by the newly appointed Imam, Mufti Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah. Before the prayer commenced, gunfire was fired three times—five minutes, three minutes, and one minute before the start—to signal the final preparations. After the prayer, a special supplication was offered for the peace and prosperity of the Muslim community.

From the early hours of the morning, worshippers began arriving in large numbers, and by 9:00 AM, the vast Eidgah field was completely packed, with countless more people still on their way. According to the organizers, over 400,000 worshippers attended this year’s Eid congregation. To accommodate distant travelers, the Bangladesh Railway operated two special trains, “Sholakia Special,” departing from Mymensingh at 6:00 AM and Bhairab at 5:45 AM, reaching Kishoreganj by 8:00 AM. These trains later departed for their return journey at 12:00 PM after the prayer.

To ensure tight security, a four-tier security system was implemented, comprising police, RAB, army, and five platoons of BGB. Worshippers had to pass through four security checkpoints before entering the field. Each entrance was equipped with metal detectors and archways, while 68 CCTV cameras monitored both inside and around the Eidgah. Additionally, six watchtowers and four powerful drone cameras were used for surveillance. Bomb disposal and counterterrorism units were also on standby.

Sholakia Eidgah, located on the banks of the Narsunda River, has been a major center for Eid congregations for almost 250 years. Covering six acres, its name originated from the 1828 Eid prayer, when 125,000 worshippers (“Sowa Lakh”) gathered, later becoming known as Sholakia. Believing that praying in such a large congregation brings greater spiritual rewards, millions of worshippers—both local and international—join the Eid prayers here, often continuing a family tradition spanning generations.

This year’s congregation was significant as it marked a new phase in Sholakia’s history. Due to a longstanding controversy over the Imam’s appointment, many local worshippers boycotted the Eidgah for 15 years. In 2009, the traditional Imam, Mufti Abul Khail Mohammad Saifullah, was replaced by Maulana Farid Uddin Masud, leader of the Bangladesh Islahul Muslimeen Parishad, sparking protests. However, this year, a new Imam was appointed, drawing a significantly larger number of worshippers than the previous year.

For the first time in history, a signboard officially naming the Eidgah was installed. Among those who attended this year’s congregation were Kishoreganj’s Police Superintendent Hasan Chowdhury, BNP’s district secretary Md. Mazharul Islam, and Jamaat-e-Islami district chief Prof. Md. Ramzan Ali, along with other notable figures.