At Dinajpur’s Gor-e-Shaheed Maidan, Eid prayers draw massive crowds

Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated with festivity and religious fervour across the northern districts of Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh.  

One of the largest congregations in the region was held at Dinajpur’s Gor-e-Shaheed Maidan around 9:00am, led by Maulana Matiur Rahman Qasemi, president of the Dinajpur District Imam Association. 

People from all walks of life, including politicians, officials and professionals, joined the Eid prayers.  
Dinajpur-3 lawmaker Jahangir Alam and Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam addressed the gathering, expressing hopes for harmony and offering Eid greetings. 

Prayers were offered for national welfare, global peace, relief for Muslims amid the Middle East crisis, and for the martyrs of the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising.  

Locals noted that Eid jamaat at the ground predate 2017, but attendance grew significantly after the construction of a Mughal-style minaret that year. 

The 516 ft long structure features a 55 ft high prayer niche and 52 domes. The two minarets at the ends are 60 ft high, while the two in the middle stand at 50 ft, and another tiled prayer niche rises to 47 ft. The structure includes 32 arches, with electric lights installed on each dome.

Modelled after Mughal-era architectural style and inspired by designs seen in Masjid al-Nabawi and in structures in Kuwait and Indonesia, the minaret was constructed at a cost of around Tk 4 crore.

According to sources, the 22-acre Gore-e-Shaheed Boro Maidan -- blanketed in lush green grass -- has long served as a vibrant hub for the community, hosting sports, social gatherings, and cultural events.

Samir Uddin, 55, from Nilphamari said, “It felt wonderful to offer prayers at such a vast field among a large gathering. It brings a sense of inner peace.” 
 

Lokman Ali who came from Pirganj added that the minaret created added appeal, prompting him to travel with friends to join the Eid jamaat.  

In Thakurgaon, the main Eid jamaat was held at Baramath of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School at 8:30am. 

In Panchagarh, the central Eidgah hosted the main prayers at Ramerdanga. 

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad joined prayers at his native Menagram Eidgah in Boda upazila, urging devotees to carry lessons of fasting into the rest of the year by serving society and curbing greed.