The holy Ashura was observed by the Muslim community in Bangladesh and other parts of the world on Friday, the 10th day of Muharram, amid heightened security measures.
The day was observed as a symbol of “sacrifice and mourning” recalling the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA), the 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 family members and 72 followers embraced martyrdom at the hands of Yazid’s soldiers in the desert of Karbala to uphold the teachings of the Prophet (SM).
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 today issued separate messages on the eve of the holy Ashura, paying deep respects to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.
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, remains as a glorious event in the history.
He said the eternal message of Ashura inspires us to be vocal against any injustice and repression and walk on the path of truth and justice.
“Islam is a religion of peace and harmony. Here there is no room for confrontation, jealousy and envy,” President Hamid mentioned.
He said the teaching of Ashura would be a part of inspiration of all people, irrespective of religion and caste, to stay away from all sorts of unpropitious acts including superstition, fundamentalism and militancy.
The Prime Minister, in her message, urged all to be imbued with the teachings of holy Ashura to establish truth and justice in all spheres to combat all kinds 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 organisations, 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 and it paraded different city streets.
Besides, several processions were brought out from city’s different areas including Mirpur and Mohammadpur.
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.
Tight security measures were taken in the city to help observe the holy Ashura peacefully and avert any untoward incident.
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.
