Stand by the poor, urges president Hamid to affluent people
President expressed profound sorrow and sympathy at the deaths due to coronavirus outbreak and losses from the cyclone ‘Apmhan’ and prayed for the early recovery of the victims
President Abdul Hamid on Monday called on the affluent section of the society to stand beside the poor in the time of coronavirus crisis, reports UNB.
"Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated in a different context this year as a result of a pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. In this difficult time, I call on the affluent individuals of the society to stand beside the poor," he said while addressing the nation on Eid day from his official Bangabhaban residence.
Bangladesh has been recording a rising number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks. The confirmed cases stood at 35,585 on Monday with 501 deaths.
President Hamid urged the people to celebrate Eid with utmost caution, properly following hygiene rules and maintaining social distance.
He expressed profound sorrow and sympathy at the deaths due to coronavirus outbreak and losses from the cyclone ‘Apmhan’ and prayed for the early recovery of the victims.
The president extended his greetings and good wishes to the countrymen and the world.
He said people, irrespective of their classes and professions, living in the big cities return to their loved ones in the villages to develop bond of harmony, amity and unity amongst themselves.
“Let the teaching of Eid-ul-Fitr spread among all people and build a prosperous Bangladesh,” he said.
Mentioning that Islam is a religion of peace and welfare, the president said there is no place for hatred, spite, violence and localism in Islam. Islam upholds the spirit of human values, mutual coexistence, absolute tolerance, equality and universal welfare.
“Let the underlying meaning of Islam spread as guide to the liberation of humanity ... May the world be filled with peace and amity,” he added.
"Eid means joy. Eid-ul-Fitr brings the message of happiness after the month-long fasting and practice of self-restraint. Let the joy spread amongst all," the president said.
The Bangabhaban spokesman said there would be no exchange of Eid greetings
Earlier in the morning, president Abdul Hamid offered his Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at Bangabhaban Durbar Hall instead of the National Eidgah this year due to the pandemic.
This Eid-ul-Fitr’s prayers at the National Eidgah were cancelled because of coronavirus outbreak.
President’s press secretary Joynal Abedin said the president offered his prayers with family members and some senior officials.
“The congregation was held at 9:30am. Pesh Imam of Bangabhaban Jame Mosque Mufti Maulana Saiful Kabir conducted the Eid prayers,” he added.
A special munajat was offered seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of Bangladesh and welfare of the people as well as the Muslim Ummah.
A special dua was offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of those who died of COVID-19 and also wishing the early recovery of coronavirus patients in the country.
The Bangabhaban spokesman said there would be no exchange of Eid greetings.