Dhaka: The holy Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, will be observed across the country on Wednesday with due religious fervour, commemorating the Karbala tragedy in which Hazrat Imam Hossain ® embraced martyrdom 1377 years back.

On this day in the Hijri year of 61, Hazrat Imam, grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), along with his family members and 72 followers embraced martyrdom in the hands of soldiers of Yazid at Karbala desert for the supremacy of justice and righteousness.

Muslims on this fateful day vent remorse for the tragic incident through various programmes.

The day is a public holiday.  

Meanwhile, various religious and socio-political organisations have drawn up programmes to observe the day.  

Taking out Tazia processions by Shia community mourners marking the day is one of the main features of Ashura.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police have taken a ‘three-tier’ security measures to ensure security during the Taazia processions, following last year’s terror attack centering the gathering of the Shia Muslims.

Police have set time limits for the processions and imposed several other restrictions, including carrying all sorts of metallic objects such as swords, knives, spears and scissors, and any bag in it.

At least two people were killed and over 150 people injured in bomb explosions in front of Hoseni Dalan in old Dhaka before the beginning of the Tajia procession on October 23 last year.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.

In his message, President Abdul Hamid said holy Ashura is a significant as well as a day of mourning for the Muslim Ummah for establishing truth and justice.

‘The message of Ashura inspires us to be vocal against injustice and repression as well as encourages us to follow a fair and true path. I hope the great teaching of the holy Ashura will be reflected in our lives.’

In her message, the Prime Minister said Ashura is a very significant day in the history of mankind. ‘It’s a very sacred day to world Muslims.’

She urged all to reflect the teachings of holy Ashura in establishing truth and justice in the national life by standing against unfairness and injustice.

Khaleda Zia, in her message, said the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam

Hossain ® will remain as an example for all Muslims to follow for establishing truth and justice.  

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, and national dailies publish articles highlighting the significance of the day.