Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - Muslims in Bangladesh on Tuesday observed the holy Ashura with with due religious fervor and solemnity, recalling the Karbala tragedy.
The day is observed in the Muslim World 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 1329 years ago.
In the historic battle, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his 72 followers were martyred by the soldiers of Yazid at Karbala in Hijri 61 while fighting for establishing truth in the society.
In the capital, Dhaka, Hoseni Dalan Imambara was the focus of the peaceful rally carrying symbols of the tragedy of Karbala.
Shi’a Muslims brought out the largest procession known as ‘Tazia’ from Imambara at Hussaini Dalan in old part of the capital Dhaka. Tazia or mourning procession paraded the city streets.
The mourners, mostly dressed in black, blared traditional Ashura chants through loudspeakers.
Besides, several processions were brought out from different parts of the city.
In the processions, the Shi’a Muslims expressed grief by flagellating themselves on the back with chains, beating their heads intending to connect them with the sufferings of Imam Hussain (RA).
Other programmes of the day included Quran Khwani, Milad Mahfil, fasting and feeding the destitute.
In all main cities including Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, the devout Muslims brought out Tazia processions and paraded main streets chanting "Hai Hussein, Hai Hussein."
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the occasion with call to resist injustices in our national life and establish truth and justice reflecting the great teachings of Holy Ashura.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels and radio stations aired special programs, while newspapers published special articles highlighting the significance of the day.
BBN/SSR/AD-07Dec11-7:41 am (BST)