35 Villages in Patuakhali Observe Early Fasting in Line with Saudi Arabia

On Wednesday (February 18), thousands of devotees from different upazilas, including Badrpur Darbar Sharif in Patuakhali Sadar Upazila, followed this practice. After completing the day-long fast, they gathered for iftar, having also performed Taraweeh prayers the previous night.

According to officials of Badrpur Darbar Sharif, the tradition of starting Ramadan one day earlier in accordance with Saudi Arabia has been maintained since 1928. As part of this long-standing custom, the community also celebrates Eid a day ahead.

The participating villages include areas in Galachipa, Bauphal, Kalapara, and other parts of the district.

Those observing the early fast follow the Hanafi school of thought and the Qaderia Sufi order. Their current spiritual leader is Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, based in Chandanaish Upazila of Chattogram.