Muslims across the country will begin observing dawn-to-dusk fasting for the holy month of Ramadan on Sunday.

The National Moon Sighting Committee confirmed the date on Saturday after sighting the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the conference room of Islamic Foundation (IF) at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque here this evening, said a press release.

Religious Affairs Adviser and National Moon Sighting Committee President AFM Khalid Hossain presided over the meeting.

As per the decision, the holy Shab-e-Qadr or Lailatul Qadr, the night when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), will be observed at the night of March 27 (Thursday night).

Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the Ramadan, a time of restraint and austerity.

Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time when Muslims worldwide focus on prayers, fasting, giving charity and religious devotion. 

All government, semi-government and private offices have arranged a new schedule during the Ramadan.