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

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

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

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the countrymen and the Muslim Ummah across the world on the occasion.

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

In his message, President Hamid said Lailatul Qadr is a holy night for the entire mankind, which is better than thousands of nights.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Almighty Allah has given a special significance for the night, while all the blessings and mercy of Allah pour in mankind on the night.

On the occasion, Sunday will be public holiday.

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.

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

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