Ashura on Oct 24

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

The day will be a public holiday.

The National Moon Sighting Committee made the decision at a meeting last evening as the new moon of Muharram, the first month of Hijri 1437, was sighted in the country yesterday, said a release of Islamic Foundation.

The meeting was held at the foundation's meeting room at the Baitul Mukarram national mosque, with Chowdhury M Babul Hassan, secretary of the religious affairs ministry and vice chairman of the committee, in the chair.

The committee decided that Hizri 1437 will commence in the country today and the 10th of Muharram will fall on October 24 (Saturday).

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 organisations will chalk out various programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.

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