The holy Shab-e-Qadr, also known as Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Decree or Power), when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), is being observed across the country tonight.

Muslim devotees are passing the night by offering special prayers, reciting the Holy Quran, holding zikr and performing other religious rituals, seeking blessings of the Almighty Allah for long life, peace and progress for themselves, their families, relatives, friends as well as the nation and the Muslim Ummah.

Marking the occasion, tomorrow will be a public holiday.

Newspapers have published special articles while state-run Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, alongside private television channels, are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of Lailatul Qadr.

According to the Holy Quran, the night is better than 1,000 months as the angels and the spirit descend therein, by the permission of Almighty Allah with all decrees.

The night of Lailatul Qadr is considered one of the holiest and most blessed nights in Islam. It is believed to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan, most likely on the 27th night.

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

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

A doa mahfil and discussion was held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital this evening.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman greeted the country's people and the Muslim Ummah.

"On the occasion of the holy Lailatul Qadr, I extend my heartfelt greetings and mubarakbad to all Muslims around the world, including the countrymen," he said in a message issued on Sunday.

The prime minister said Lailatul Qadr is a glorious and blessed night when the Holy Quran was revealed in the holy month of Ramadan.

Noting that Almighty Allah has declared that this night is better than thousand months, he said the night brings a message of welfare, forgiveness and mercy for mankind.

Tarique Rahman said this night creates a unique opportunity to gain proximity to Almighty Allah through prayers, repentance and supplication.

"The Ramadan is a month of restraint, self-purification, tolerance and awakening of human values," he said.

The premier said the lessons of Lailatul Qadr inspire all to establish peace, justice and welfare in their individual, social and national lives.

"Let us all get involved in prayers more to attain the pleasure of Almighty Allah and dedicate ourselves to the welfare of humanity by understanding the significance of the night," he said.

Tarique Rahman prayed to Allah Almighty that infinite mercy and blessings of the holy Lailatul Qadr are poured in on all.

"May Allah guide the country and its people to the path of progress, peace, harmony and welfare. May the glory of the holy Lailatul Qadr bring peace, harmony and welfare to our lives," he added.