Dhaka: The Muslims in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world observed the holy Ashura on Sunday 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 historic battle, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his 72 followers were martyred by the soldiers of Yazid at Karbala while fighting for establishing truth and justice in society. 

The word Ashura means simply "tenth" in Arabic, and therefore the name of the remembrance, literally translated, means "the tenth day". 

The day was a public holiday.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages marking the holy Ashura.

In his message, the President said the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and his companions in Karbala for upholding the ideals of Islam, the religion of peace and tranquility, is remaining as a glorious event in history. 

He called upon the Muslim Ummah to build an equitable and just society imbued with the message of the holy Ashura. 

In her message, the Prime Minister urged all to be imbued with the teachings of holy Ashura to establish truth and justice in all spheres to combat all sorts of injustice in the national life. 

She said the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and his companions to establish peace and justice in society is a glaring and emulating example for the Muslim Ummah across the world. 

Different religious organizations, including Islamic Foundation, chalked out various programmes to observe the day. 

The Shia Muslims brought out a large procession known as Tazia in the city from Imam Bara at Hosenee Dalan of Old Dhaka. 

Besides, several processions were brought out from the city's different areas including Mirpur, Mohammadpur and Purana Paltan. 

In the processions, the Shia 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, Milad Mahfil, fasting and feeding of the destitute. 

In all main cities including Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, the Shia Muslims brought out Tazia processions and paraded main streets chanting "Hai Hussein, Hai Hussein." 

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes, while newspapers published special articles highlighting significance of the day.