NEWS DESK

Many Muslims took part in Jum’a prayers at mosques in Dhaka, as elsewhere in Bangladesh, on Friday, a month after the restriction on congregations was withdrawn subject to abiding by necessary medical advice, FT reports.

Offering prayers at mosques had largely been restricted in a bid to tamp down the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Muslims were seen offering prayers at different mosques wearing masks and maintaining distance in the capital.

On April 06 last, the ministry had directed all to avoid mosques and offer prayers at home to prevent the transmission of fast-spreading coronavirus.

It had asked people to offer Zohr prayers at home instead of Jum’a on Friday.

Saying prayers five times a day is one of the ‘five pillars’ of Islam and the Friday prayer, which is done in congregations, is the most important among them.  

The minister also asked the people of other religions to offer prayers at home instead of congregating at religious institutions.

On April 23, the ministry had decided that only 10 Muslim devotees and two imams would be allowed to offer Tarabi prayers at mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.