Dhaka, Feb. 19 -- The holy month of Ramadan began across the country today (Thursday) following the sighting of the new crescent moon on Wednesday evening.

The announcement was made after a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee at the conference room of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital, with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad in the chair.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims engage in self-purification through fasting and abstinence.

Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk throughout the lunar month, a period marked by restraint, reflection and spiritual devotion.

Taraweeh prayers began on Wednesday night.

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and several other Middle Eastern countr...