Dhaka: The holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA), grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), will be observed in the country on 24 October.

The National Moon Sighting Committee took the decision at a meeting this evening as the new moon of Muharram, the first month of Hijri 1437, appeared in the country today, said a release of Islamic Foundation (IF).

The meeting was held at the IF meeting room at Baitul Muqarram National Mosque with Secretary of Religious Affairs Ministry and Vice-Chairman of National Moon Sighting Committee Chowdhury M Babul Hassan in the chair.

The meeting decided that Hizri 1437 will commence in the country tomorrow and the 10th of the month of Muharram will fall on October 24, Saturday, as the new moon was sighted on Wednesday.

Entrapped by Yazid’s forces on10th Muharram in the Hijri year 61, Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA), his family members and close relations embraced martyrdom in Karbala to uphold the spirit of Islam and the teachings of the Great Prophet.

The government and different religious organizations will chalk out various programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner. The day will be a public holiday.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels will air special programmes while newspapers publish supplements highlighting the significance of the day.