Dhaka: Holy Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar when Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk, begins in the country on Friday.

Ramadan is a time of restraint and austerity, and also a time for inner reflection, devotion to the Almighty Allah and self-control.

Lailatul Qadr, the night of divine blessings and benediction, will be observed on 14 July, and Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims in the country, is likely to be observed on 19 July.

During the holy month, all government, semi-government and autonomous and semi-autonomous organisations will follow new office timing as announced by the government.

All these offices will remain open from 9:00am to 3:30pm with a 15-minute prayer break from 1:15pm to 1:30pm during the month.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the Muslims of the country and elsewhere in the world on the occasion.