Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has decided to avoid joining grand iftar programmes this year considering the overall situation in the country.

The premier will attend only two iftar mahfils at the State Guest House Jamuna here - one in honour of diplomats and another in honour of orphans, Islamic scholars and religious leaders, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said today. 

He said the Prime Minister has decided to host two iftar programmes in view of the country's overall circumstances. 

The first one will be held on March 6 (Friday) in honour of diplomats, while the second one on March 7 for orphans, ulema-mashaekh, Ruman said. 

Both events will be held at the State Guest House Jamuna in the city. 

The Additional Press Secretary said previously scheduled iftar programmes for politicians on March 8 and journalists on March 10 at the same venue have been cancelled considering the prevailing situation.

Every year, the Prime Minister traditionally hosts a number of state iftar programmes in honour of people from different professions and segments of society.

However, after assuming office as Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman has chosen to observe iftar privately with his family at his residence, and no grand state iftar events are being arranged this year.