The holy month of Ramadan begins in the country on Tuesday as the new moon sighted in the sky of Bangladesh on Monday.

Lailatul Qadr, the night of divine blessing and benediction, will be observed on the night of July 2.

Religious Affairs Minister Motiur Rahman made the announcement after a meeting  of the National Moon Sighting Committee this evening held at the Islamic Foundation's Baitul Mukarram office in the capital.

Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the lunar month  of self-purification through fasting and abstinence

UNB adds : 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.

NS/LY