DHAKA: Authorities in Bangladesh have announced the sighting of the Ramadan moon, with the first fast set to be observed on Thursday February 19. According to local media reports the confirmation followed official deliberations based on moon sighting testimonies.

The announcement places Bangladesh among the countries formally commencing Ramadan this week. Earlier Saudi Arabia also declared the sighting of the crescent marking the start of the holy month.

Meanwhile in Pakistan the moon sighting process remains underway. The Ruet e Hilal Committee is holding its meeting to determine the beginning of Ramadan. The session is being chaired by Abdul Khabir Azad who is overseeing the review of moon sighting evidence from across the country.

Officials stated that the final announcement in Pakistan would be made after evaluating verified testimonies. The committee has also urged citizens to participate in the moon sighting and report any observations.

Separately the Supreme Court of Pakistan had earlier encouraged public cooperation in the moon sighting process highlighting the significance of collective participation in marking the start of Ramadan.