The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, was observed in the country on Tuesday night with due religious fervour.

Muslim devotees spent the night offering special prayers, reciting from the holy Quran and seeking divine blessings of Allah for the wellbeing of mankind.

They also visited the graves of their relatives and Muslim saints, and distributed sweets and homemade foods among the poor, neighbours, friends and relatives.

According to Muslim belief, on this night, Allah, the Almighty, decides the fate of all creatures for the coming year taking into account their past deeds.

On the occasion, the Islamic Foundation and various religious and socio-cultural organisations held elaborate programmes, including religious sermons, hamd-na't, recitation from the holy Quran, doa and special prayers.

Yesterday was the public holiday as the Shab-e-Barat fell on Tuesday night.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages felicitating the Muslims on the occasion.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes while newspapers published articles, highlighting the significance of the night.