The month of self-abnegation, purification and spiritual salvation begins today. Devotees abstain from food or drink from dawn to dusk and devote in intense prayer seeking mercy and guidance from the Almighty. Spiritually, the holy month is a gift for the faithful to seek communion with the Creator. Materially, it goes far beyond just bodily abstinence. It brings us face to face with the deprivations of the have-nots. It also involves engaging in charity to benefit those less fortunate.

Where Ramadan represents the spirit of abstinence and restraint, we watch on helplessly as a section of people gleefully practice devious means to make windfall profits from jacking up prices and adulterating food and other essentials. We urge the traders to respect the solemnity of the month and restrain from indulging in profiteering. The authorities should enforce a strong monitoring system to curb these unethical business practices.   

During this month of introspection, a Muslim renews his pledge to be virtuous, to abstain from crass materialism and clear the heart of hatred and hostility against others in society. One may hope that the true spirit of Ramadan is embraced by political forces to curb divisiveness and engage in a dialogue to make a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh. It is also our sincere hope that the amity during Ramadan be carried over and applied throughout the year. Ramadan Mubarak!