Ramadan Commencement and Moon Sighting in Bangladesh

As is customary every year, the Muslim world eagerly anticipates the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting (sawm) and intensified worship aimed at spiritual purification. The precise commencement of Ramadan is determined through a combination of astronomical calculations and the traditional moon-sighting (hilal) method.

According to sources, Ramadan is expected to begin in Saudi Arabia either on Wednesday, 18 February, or Thursday, 19 February. Following established practice, once fasting starts in Middle Eastern countries, neighbouring South Asian nations—including Bangladesh—typically begin observing Ramadan the following day. Consequently, in Bangladesh, Ramadan may commence on Thursday, 19 February, or Friday, 20 February, with the first day of fasting and prayers. If the month lasts 30 days, Eid-ul-Fitr is projected to fall on Saturday, 21 March.

In Bangladesh and India, the Muslim community traditionally determines the start of Ramadan based on the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal). On the 29th night of the month of Sha‘ban, local moon-sighting committees monitor the sky after sunset. If the new crescent is visible, Ramadan begins the following day; if not, Sha‘ban completes a full 30-day cycle, and Ramadan begins thereafter.

Astronomical calculations indicate that Tuesday, 17 February will correspond to a new moon. However, the crescent will likely become visible to the naked eye on Wednesday, 18 February. Under these circumstances, fasting could begin on Thursday, 19 February, although in regions where the moon is observed earlier, Ramadan could commence on Wednesday, 18 February. The final decision depends on weather conditions and local geographical factors. Following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, Ramadan may conclude after 30 days, either on 19 or 20 March, depending on the visibility of the moon.

Each year, the Bangladesh Moon Sighting Committee officially announces the beginning of Ramadan following this meticulous process. Once the announcement is made, devout Muslims across the country commence their daily fasts, performing prayers and engaging in heightened acts of devotion.

Probable Ramadan Timeline in Bangladesh

By combining traditional moon sighting with modern astronomical calculations, Bangladesh determines the precise start of Ramadan and the anticipated date of Eid, preserving centuries-old religious customs while ensuring accuracy for the entire nation.