Muslims across the country are set to observe the holy Shab-e-Qadr or Lailatul Qadr, tonight when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

According to the holy Quran, Lailatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, is better than 1,000 nights as the angels and the spirit descend therein, by the permission of Almighty Allah with all decrees.

This is one of the holiest and most blessed nights which is likely to occur on one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan and most likely to be the 27th of the holy month.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today greeted the countrymen and Muslims across the world on the occasion of holy Lailatul Qadr to be observed tonight.

In separate messages, they prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country, the whole world and the Muslim Ummah.

The devout Muslims traditionally observe the occasion through nightlong special prayers, milad, Quran Khwani, religious discussions at mosques and in their houses on this holy tonight.

Devotees also visit graveyards to seek eternal blessings for the departed souls of their near and dear ones.

Newspapers publish special articles while state-run Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private television channels telecast special programmes highlighting the significance of Lailatul Qadr.

To the Muslims, the entire month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual training. Besides fasting, they devote themselves to praying, recitation from the holy Quran and offering charity.

Special prayers and sermons will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and other mosques across the country on the holy tonight.

The Islamic Foundation will organise a waz mahfil (sermon session) and milad mahfil at Baitul Mukarram on the occasion.