Holy Ashura today

The holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM), is being observed across the country today with due religious solemnity.

Today is the 10th day of the month of Muharram in Hijri calendar. On this day, muslims across the world recall the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family members and 72 followers, who had embraced martyrdom in 680 AD for establishing truth and justice in the fight with soldiers of Yazid on Karbala Maidan in Iraq.

The day is a public holiday.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday issued separate messages on the eve of the holy Ashura. They paid deep respect to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the other martyrs of Karbala.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic this year, programmes have been taken up on a limited scale to mark the occasion. Police have taken special security measures in the capital in this regard.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has banned all kinds of tazia, mourning and pike processions in the metropolitan area.

However, devotees will be able to perform religious rites in compliance with the health safety rules. But carrying of knives, daggers, scissors, spears, swords, sticks and displaying of fireworks and crackers is strictly prohibited in these programmes.

The DMP urged the authorities concerned not to allow anybody to enter a function venue without wearing masks. It asked everyone to enforce necessary health safety measures at all stages.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels are airing special programmes while newspapers and news portals have published supplements highlighting the significance of the day.