Muslims started thronging mosques from Saturday evening to pray to God on the night of Shab-e-Barat, both in preparation for Ramadan and for the forgiveness of the sins they have committed.
Taking place 15 days before the start of Ramadan, the night brings annual hopes of forgiveness and good fortune amid traditional festivities.
Shab-e-Barat – the Night of Fortune – is believed to be one of the most sacred nights of the Islamic calendar for seeking forgiveness from God.
Muslims believe that God writes the destinies of all men for the coming year by taking into account the deeds committed by them in the past.
Many devoted Muslims are praying in their houses. Muslims are distributing roti, halua and other sweets to relatives and neighbours since afternoon, which a tradition of Shab-e-Barat nowadays.
The roti and halua of Shab-e-Barat are also being distributed among the poor people irrespective of religion, caste.
The Islamic Foundation has organised Waaz Mahfil at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque from Saturday evening, which will run through to early Sunday. An akheri munajat would be offered at dawn.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police has banned carrying and exploding of dangerous materials including fire crackers from Saturday evening till further orders to maintain sanctity of Shab-e-Barat, and peace and discipline.
Television and radio channels are airing special programmes highlighting significance of the day. The newspapers have published special articles.
Also known as Lailatul Barat, it falls on the 15th night of the month of Sha'ban, of the Arabic Hijri calendar, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Devotees offer nafal prayers, recite from the Holy Quran and perform doa throughout the night to seek God's goodwill.
It has also become a long-standing social event and Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, Bangladesh in particular, observe the occasion with great festivity.
People prepare special foods such as bread, a variety of sweets and halua , offering them to neighbours and the poor.
President Iajuddin Ahmed and chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed gave separate messages Friday to mark the occasion.
Subject: Shab-e-Barat prayers begin.................. 
Sat Aug 16, 2008 6:30 pm
