The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Friday (May 22) issued a 14-point instruction for devotees and mosque committees for observing the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and attending Eid prayers.
It also called upon city dwellers to celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr with family members at home and advised all to refrain from visiting relatives, neighbours, and entertainment spots in the city amid the risk of transmission of coronavirus.
This year, the Eid congregations would be held in mosques instead of open spaces in a bid to curb spread of the virus.
The devotees and mosque authorities were asked to follow the instructions considering the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The mosques can arrange a number of Eid jamaats if deemed necessary, according to the instructions.
The instructions also said devotees would have to perform ablution from home before coming for Eid prayers, instead of using ablution room of the mosques.
Every devotee who goes to a mosque for Eid prayers must wear a mask and carry their own jainamaz (prayer mat) and tupee (cap) instead of using those present in the mosque.
Carpets cannot be lain in the mosque during Eid prayers and the whole mosque needs to be cleaned using disinfectant ahead of congregations.
Soaps and hand sanitisers should be kept at the mosque entrance for devotees to clean their hands before entering the mosque premises.
Social distancing measures and health directives must be followed when standing in the jamaat for Eid prayers, the instructions read.
DMP also asked the devotees to avoid shaking hands and exchanging hugs with others at the end of Eid jamaat and requested the mosque committees for separate arrangements on entry and exit.
For the people leaving Dhaka to celebrate Eid with dear and near ones in villages, DMP suggested to use auto lock systems on the main doors of their residences and to lock doors and windows carefully before leaving.
They were also advised not to keep valuables in empty homes and instead keep those safe elsewhere.
Different markets and shopping malls owners were suggested to keep close contact with local police stations and outposts for ensuring security.
The holy Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Monday (May 25).
