DHAKA, Sept 10, 2019 (BSS) – The holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom
of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), was observed in the country today with due
religious fervour and solemnity.
On this day in the Hijri year of 61, Hazrat Imam (RA), a grandson of
Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM), 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 Prophet (SM).
The day was observed as a symbol of “sacrifice and mourning” recalling the
martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) in the battle of Karbala on the
10th of Muharram.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier 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, President Hamid said the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam
Hossain (RA), his family members and his companions in Karbala for upholding
the ideals of Islam is remaining as a glorious event of sacrifice in the
history of Muslim Ummah.
He hoped that the lesson of Ashura would be a part of inspiration for all
people to build a society free from superstition, fundamentalism and
militancy and spread the light of truth and beauty in society.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, urged all to be imbued with
the teachings of holy Ashura to establish truth and justice in all spheres of
life.
She said the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and his companions to
establish truth and justice in society is a glaring and emulating example for
the Muslim Ummah across the world.
The day is a public holiday.
Different religious organisations, including Islamic Foundation, took
various programmes to observe the day.
The Shia Muslims brought out a large procession known as Tajia procession
in the city from Hosenee Dalan of Old Dhaka in the morning that ended at
Dhanmondi after parading different city streets.
In the procession, the Shia Muslims expressed mourning and grief by walking
barefooted on the streets.
The hundred years old heritage of Tajia procession of Shia Muslim
community also includes ‘Nowha’ or recitation of bereavements.
Tight security measures were taken in the capital to help observe the holy
Ashura peacefully and avert any untoward incident.
Imambara Hussaini Dalan area was brought under foolproof security with
installation of CCTV cameras and archways, and no one was allowed to join the
procession without search.
Earlier, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) imposed restriction on
carrying scissor, spear, sword, sticks or any sharp objects and banned
firecrackers during the Tajia procession to avoid any untoward incident.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private TV channels and radio
stations aired special programmes, while newspapers published special
articles highlighting the significance of the day.