Moon sighting
Kazi Mahbub Hassan's article on the subject, published on September 20 is a rational analysis about our regular confusion about moon sighting.
The astronomy based calculation of moon visibility, irrespective of the sky or weather condition, is the logical and accurate way to determine the first day of Ramadan, Eid and other important Islamic festivals.
Unlike Bangladesh and many South Asian countries, weather and cloud cover is a reality, whereas in dry and rainless Saudi Arabian climate the sky is clear, and naked eye visibility of the new moon is not a problem. Even then, they go by astronomical calculation and confirm these religious days in advance, so why cannot we do it also?
Logically, given our seasonal weather, we should use astronomical reality for predicting the date of appearance of the important new moons without any unnecessary confusion that happens more often than not. Result is that probably every year, one can easily celebrate Eid on two days in Bangladesh! An intriguing, but actual fact of life here!
In Bangladesh we should include three representatives in the "Moon Appearing Date Committee" (proposed name, in place of the present Moon Sighting Committee). One could be the representative from the Navy, another from the Weather Bureau and finally one from the Department of Astronomy from a University. This will ensure that the first day of the appearance of the moon is based on proper scientific method and not on someone seeing the moon from one corner of the country to determine the day of Eid!
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