Eid Mubarak
After a long month of fasting, the happy occasion of Eid-ul Fitr has come around again. We wish our readers, writers, advertisers, agents and well-wishers: Eid Mubarak!
The holy month of Ramadan ushers in an opportunity of spiritual cleansing for Muslims. For one whole month they restrain themselves from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, an exercise in self-control. This also involves mental and spiritual control. It is not just about avoiding food and drink. It is also about freeing the inner self from hatred, envy, greed, avarice and all excesses. That is the spirit of Ramadan - to do away with all that is evil and bad, and to usher in all that is good and pure. This is a way to seek Almighty Allah’s approval. This is an effort to build a life and society free of injustice, extortion, envy, hatred and all that is evil, and usher in love, happiness and peace.
The end of Ramadan does not end the need for self-control and cleansing. This month-long practice can help us exercise the same self-restraint throughout the year. There is need for every individual to have self-control and good practices, and Ramadan reminds us of this. We must try to maintain the practices of Ramadan throughout our lives. Ramadan is not a mere ritual.
May the message of joy ushered in by Eid-ul Fitr at the end of Ramadan prevail in everyone’s lives throughout the year.
During the Eid vacation, large numbers of people leave Dhaka and other cities to go to their homes in the village. The pitiful state of the roads and highways make their journey difficult. Despite promises, the roads have not been repaired. The media has voiced the people’s apprehensions about the commute home, but to no avail. Despite various initiatives and activities, all roads and highways leading out of Dhaka have become jammed and congested with traffic.
There is fear of the same predicament at the end of holiday when the people return to the cities. All efforts must be made to lessen the sufferings on the highway. The highway police must pay extra attention to the matter and firmly carry out their responsibilities.
Accidents, vehicles breaking down, and other reasons worsen the situation on the highways. There is urgent need for caution and good management in this regard. If there is any accident or if any vehicle breaks down on the highway, this must be cleared immediately so as to avoid tailbacks.
There is also a heightened fear of accidents during Eid. Families grieve the loss of dear ones who meet with accidents while travelling to or from home during Eid. Their joy turns into immense sadness. So everyone must travel with care. Buses and ferries must not carry more passengers than capacity. Drivers must drive with care.
May the Eid festival be filled with joy and happiness.