Tens of millions of Bangladeshis defied a Covid-19 surge to join prayers in packed mosques and outdoor locations, as Muslims slaughtered record numbers of animals for Eidul Azha.

The government has lifted a strict lockdown for a week to allow millions to head back to their villages for the religious festival, AFP reports.

The South Asian nation of 169 million people, where two thirds live in villages, has been hit by a major surge in coronavirus cases and deaths in recent weeks that shows little sign of abating.

People walks through a security check post as they arrive to offer prayers to mark Eidul Azha in Dhaka on July 21. — AFP
People walks through a security check post as they arrive to offer prayers to mark Eidul Azha in Dhaka on July 21. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...