The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a strict prohibition against the use of sharp weapons and fireworks during the Tazia procession, which usually commences during Ashura celebrations.
“Swords, knives, sickles, lances, scimitars, cleavers, and batons, along with fireworks and firecrackers, are banned for these events,” a press release, signed by DMP Commissioner Khandaker Golam Faruq, said on Thursday.
According to the release, various Tazia processions will take place at different times and locations across Dhaka during Ashura celebrations slated for Saturday.
“The use of sharp weapons and the setting off of fireworks during these processions by participants can create unwelcome situations that incite fear and anxiety among religiously observant and urban residents, thereby posing a threat to public safety,” it said.
Moreover, the use of fireworks and firecrackers during Ashura in the month of Muharram is viewed as inappropriate and inconsistent with religious solemnity, it added.
Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), will be observed in the country on Saturday.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon-Sighting Committee held at the conference room of the Islamic Foundation at its Baitul Mukarram National Mosque office with State Minister for Religious Affairs Faridul Haque Khan in the chair on July 18.
On this day in the Hijri year of 61, Hazrat Imam, the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), 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.
The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh.
