The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, will be observed in the country tonight with due religious fervour.

According to Muslim belief, Shab-e-Barat is the night when Allah arranges the affairs of the following year. On this night, Allah writes the destinies of all the creations for the coming year by taking into account their past deeds.

Muslim devotees will pass the night offering special prayers, reciting from the Holy Quran, holding milad, zikr and other religious rituals seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind.

They will also visit the graveyards of their relatives and Muslim saints and distribute sweetmeats and homemade foods among the poor, their neighbours, friends and relatives.

Islamic Foundation has organised various programmes, including religious sermons, recitation from the Holy Quran, singing hamd-nath, offering doa and special prayers, on the occasion.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes. Besides, newspapers have published articles highlighting the significance of the night.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued messages on the occasion.

In his message, the president said the holy night opens up an opportunity for the mankind to get special blessings and forgiveness of Almighty Allah.

“I pray to Almighty Allah during the holy night for the continued progress and welfare of the country and greater unity of the Muslim Ummah,” he said.

The PM in her message said Shab-e-Barat is a night of fortune which brings the blessings of Almighty Allah for the mankind.

She urged all to employ themselves in the work for the welfare of the mankind.