Muharram 2026: Moon Sighting Committee to Meet in Dhaka to Determine Ashura Date

As the Islamic calendar turns, the National Moon Sighting Committee prepares to convene in Dhaka to confirm the start of Muharram and the subsequent date for Ashura.

The quiet anticipation of the new Hijri year is currently unfolding across South Asia. In Dhaka, the National Moon Sighting Committee is set to hold a crucial meeting this Tuesday at the Islamic Foundation Conference Room, located within the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Chaired by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), the assembly will gather at 6:45 pm to evaluate reports regarding the appearance of the moon for the month of Muharram 1448 Hijri.

The outcome of this session is pivotal for millions, as it will officially fix the date for Ashura. The sighting of the crescent moon marks the beginning of the holy month, setting the liturgical clock for the period of mourning and reflection that follows. While modern astronomical calculations provide a baseline, the traditional practice of physical sighting remains the standard for religious observance across the region.

Coordination Across the Country

Authorities are leaving nothing to chance regarding the verification process. The government has put out a public appeal, requesting that any citizen who spots the moon anywhere in the country’s skies report the sighting immediately. Dedicated telephone lines—02-41053294, 02-226640510, and 02-223383397—have been activated, and citizens may also contact their respective Deputy Commissioners or Upazila Nirbahi Officers to relay the information.

The synchronization of these dates is a significant logistical exercise. Across the border, similar mechanisms are in play, with regional bodies like Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee also gearing up for moon sightings to ensure regional consistency in observing the month of Muharram 2026.

Why it matters

For the subcontinent, the sighting of the Muharram moon is more than a mere calendar event; it is a moment of communal cohesion and deep historical resonance. The date of Ashura, which falls on the tenth day of the month, is observed with solemnity and collective remembrance. By formalizing the calendar through a centralized national committee, the state plays an essential role in ensuring that religious observances are unified across diverse districts, preventing the confusion that can arise from localized or isolated sightings. This process reflects the intersection of tradition, state administration, and the shared cultural fabric that defines the Islamic calendar in the region.