The holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), was observed in the country on Tuesday with due religious fervour and solemnity.
On this day in the Hijri year of 61, Hazrat Imam (RA), a grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM), along with his family members and 72 followers embraced martyrdom at the hands of Yazid’s soldiers in the desert of Karbala to uphold the teachings of Prophet (SM).
The day was observed as a symbol of “sacrifice and mourning” recalling the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) in the battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram.
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President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier issued separate messages on the eve of the holy Ashura, paying deep respects to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.
The day was a public holiday.
Different religious organisations, including Islamic Foundation, took various programmes to observe the day.
The Shia Muslims brought out a procession known as Tazia procession in the city from Hussaini Dalan of Old Dhaka in the morning that ended at Dhanmondi after parading different city streets.
In the procession, the Shia Muslims expressed mourning and grief by walking barefooted on the streets.
The hundred years old heritage of Tazia procession of Shia Muslim community also includes ‘Nowha’ or recitation of bereavements.
Tight security measures were taken in the capital to help observe the holy Ashura peacefully and avert any untoward incident.
Imambara Hussaini Dalan area was brought under foolproof security with installation of CCTV cameras and archways, and no one was allowed to join the procession without search.
Earlier, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) imposed restrictions on carrying scissor, spear, sword, sticks or any sharp objects and banned firecrackers during the Tazia procession to avoid any untoward incident.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes, while newspapers published special articles highlighting the significance of the day.
