File photo.

By Mutahar Hossain

DHAKA, May 21, 2026 (BSS) – Preparations for holding the main congregation of Eid-ul-Azha at the National Eidgah ground on the Supreme Court premises in the capital are progressing fast as the construction workers are working day and night to make the ground ready just a day before the Eid to be celebrated on May 28.

Construction workers were found busy to make the overall arrangements across the ground, including setting canopies, pandals, gates, ablution areas, electricity connections, and security systems, for the main Eid congregation.

“Approximately 80% of the Eidgah preparation work has already been completed. The remaining work is now in its final stage. We expect all preparations to be finished just a day before the Eid,” said an official who is looking after the work. 

A Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) source said, like previous years, work is underway under the corporation’s supervision from May 1. The construction firm PR Enterprise has been tasked with constructing the pandal at the National Eidgah. Separate arrangements are being made for women.

He said security measures are being strengthened on the ground and surrounding areas ahead of Eid. 

As per the schedule, some tasks must be completed the day before the Eid. Plans are in place to finish all remaining work by May 26. Currently, work is ongoing on installing tarpaulins and canopies, setting up lights and fans, some ablution area work, control room, VIP toilets, and entry and exit gates. 

However, ground filling and grass cutting have already been completed. Painting of gates and other structures is also in its final stage, which will be completed in two or three days. The Department of Mass Communication is handling the sound system for the entire Eidgah area. Generators have been kept for use in case of power outages.

DSCC sources said drainage systems are in place in case of rain. Additionally, beyond the routine activities, special fogging and larviciding operations will be conducted starting 72 hours before the Eid congregation. Water supply will be ensured by Dhaka WASA, he said, adding that  to avoid traffic congestion, barricades will be placed at the Matsya Bhaban, National Press Club, Paltan crossing, and Shikkha Bhaban areas. 

He said the people will be informed about the traffic arrangements in advance through media briefings. VIP vehicles will enter through designated gates and park on the Supreme Court premises, he added. 

Md. Mozammel of PR Enterprise told BSS, "Currently, 120 people are working. The structural work is complete. Now, the second phase of work involving fabric, electrical wiring, and waterproofing is ongoing. Overall, about 80% of the work is done. I hope it will be possible to finish all work by the day before the Eid."

DSCC officials said the total area of the National Eidgah ground is approximately 30,000 square meters, and the pandal area is about 25,400 square meters. About 35,000 worshipers will be able to pray together in the main congregation this time. 

There are separate exists for 250 VIP men, 80 VIP women and general worshipers (about 31,000 men and about 3,500 women), A total of 4 gates have been designated for entry - 1 for VIPs, 2 for men, and 1 for women. A total of 7 gates will be available for exit - 1 for VIPs, 5 for men, and 1 for women.

DSCC further informed that there will be a total of 121 rows (saffs) at this year's Eidgah. Among these, 5 rows are for designated VIP men and 1 for VIP women. There will be 65 large rows for regular men and 50 small rows for women. Approximately 140 people, 113 men and 27 women, will be able to perform ablution at the same time at the ablution area.

Visiting the site on Wednesday, workers of various types were seen busy with the Eidgah ground preparations. Some were setting up canopies, some installing fans, while others were busy with ground filling.

Worker Liton Ghazi told BSS that the preparation work is being completed in phases. He informed that 60-65 workers are working on the decoration, and about 80% of the work is now complete.

DSCC’s Chief Social Welfare and Slum Development Officer (Deputy Secretary) Mohammad Mobashwer Hasan told BSS, “Comprehensive preparations have been made ahead of the main Eid-ul-Azha congregation. From canopies and rain-proofing measures to an improved drainage system, electricity, security, CCTV surveillance, public address systems, VVIP management, and separate facilities for men and women-all infrastructure is being ensured. Work is progressing rapidly in coordination with various ministries and agencies so that the Eid congregation can be held properly.”