The Muslims in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world observed the holy Ashura on Tuesday marking the 10th day of Muharram with due religious solemnity and in a befitting manner.
The day was observed as a symbol of “sacrifice and mourning” recalling the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA), a grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), in the battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram in Hijri 61.In the tragic battle, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his 72 followers were martyred by the soldiers of Yazid at Karbala. Iman Hussain was fighting for establishing truth and justice in society
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages marking the holy Ashura.
They called upon all to resist injustice and establish truth and justice reflecting the great teachings of Holy Ashura.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party organised a discussion meeting and doa mohfil in observance of the day. Different religious organizations, including Islamic Foundation, took up various programmes to observe the day.
The Shi’a Muslims brought out a large Tazia procession in the city from Imam Bara at Hosenee Dalan of Old Dhaka.
Besides, many other Tazia processions were brought out from the city’s different areas including Mirpur, Mohammadpur and Purana Paltan.
In the processions, the Shi’a Muslims expressed mourning and grief by flagellating themselves on the back with chains, beating their heads intending to connect them with Imam Hussain’s (RA) sufferings.
Other programmes of the day included Quran Khwani, Doa Mahfil, fasting and feeding ofdestitutes.
In all main cities including Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, the Shi’a Muslims brought out Tazia processions and paraded main streets chanting “Hai Hussein, Hai Hussein.”
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, other private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes, while newspapers published special articles highlighting significance of the day.
The day was closed a public holiday. – BSS
