Sharif told Star City that like everybody else, he also wanted to attend the Eid prayer and be with his loved ones on the Eid day, but failed to do so because of his duty. About working on the Eid day, he said he was more alert and careful than a regular day so the people could enjoy the Eid peacefully.

While the nation enjoyed long Eid holidays, thousands of professionals like Sharif had to work to keep the city moving.

Fire service and law enforcement personnel including police and Rab, nurses, doctors, cleaners, security guards and other service providers worked relentlessly to ensure that this city of ten million gets the services it deserves. Although the service personnel were paid hefty overtimes, it is worth mentioning that without their commitment to serve, the city life during the Eid holidays would be in disarray.

Above all professionals, cleaners are usually the busiest on Eid-ul-Azha. Hafiz, a cleaner at Rupnagar residential area seemed very happy despite working hard on the Eid day as he earned more on Eid day than any other. He said his duty was to clean the neighbourhood after the sacrificial animals were slaughtered for the Eid ritual.

All the inhabitants of the area would be in a terrible mess if he or other cleaners refused to clean after the animals are sacrificed and God would not tolerate refusal of their duties, said Hafiz, adding, "I performed my duty and earned money as well and I am happy about that. I don't have any underlying grief over working on Eid day."

M Zaman, assistant commissioner of Mirpur zone patrol police, said crime rate was low in his area as most of the city dwellers left the city for celebrating the festival in their home districts.

About working on the Eid day, Zaman said, "We had to be more careful this year as the 31st night (December 31) was observed just a day before the day of Eid."

"Many professionals are working on the Eid day to pave the way for celebrations of others and these professionals are celebrating their Eid from a different perspective." Zaman added.

"Of course I wanted to be with my family members on this day but I can not neglect my duty," Zaman said.

Intern doctor Rezaul was on duty at Bangladesh Medical College and Hospital away from his friends and family on the Eid day for the first time in his life. "How can I leave the patients for self interest?" said Rezaul when asked why he could not attend the Eid congregation.

Rezaul also said working on the day of Eid this year made him realise and appreciate those professionals who have to be on standby for 24 hours during any occasion. "It will help me better understand the dedication required in my profession."