Muslims across Bangladesh observed the Holy Ashura on Friday, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), with religious fervour and solemnity.
On this day in the Hijri year of 61, Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family members and 72 followers, embraced martyrdom at the hands of Yazid’s soldiers on Karbala maidan in Iraq to uphold the teachings of the Prophet.
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the day was observed in a more muted way as the government has prohibited all processions, including Tajia, reports UNB.
All other necessary religious rituals on the occasion of the holy Ashura can be performed maintaining health protocols, according to the Religious Affairs Ministry.
The day is a public holiday.
The Shia community in Dhaka gathered together on the premises of Imambara Husaini Dallan in the capital without maintaining any health safety regulations on Friday. They remained inside the building due to the ban on Tajia processions.
Devotees are seen chanting together to observe the holy Ashura without maintaining any health safety rules on the premises of Hussaini Dalan in Dhaka on Friday, August 20, 2021 Mehedi Hasan/DhakaTribune
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels aired special programs highlighting the significance of the day.
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Different religious organizations have also chalked out various programs on the occasion.
Islamic Foundation arranged a special waj and milad mahfil at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on the “Importance and Significance of the holy Ashura” on Thursday noon.
On the day, special prayers were offered at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after the Jum'a prayer.
Pre-Covid, the Shia community in Bangladesh observed the day every year with elaborate programs, including a traditional Tajia procession in the capital that starts from Imambara Husaini Dallan in Old Dhaka.
Outside Dhaka, people from the Shia community gathered at the Prithimpasha Imambara of Zamindar Bari in Kulaura, Moulvibazar on Friday, reports our correspondent Saiful Islam.
Kulaura police station Officer-in-Charge Binoy Bhushan Roy said: “Members of the law enforcement agency were on alert during the festival. This year, the Holy Ashura was observed maintaining proper health protocols.”
Every year, people from different parts of the country and abroad gather at the Prithimpasha Imambara. This year, many followers from abroad could not participate due to the ongoing pandemic situation.
