Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam on Sunday directed DMP officials to ensure Tazia processions and rallies are not held in open spaces on Ashura, August 30, to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Religious ceremonies can be held indoors, in compliance with health rules and social distancing, he said.
The DMP commissioner has given the directive at a coordination meeting on security, law and order and traffic management in the Dhaka metropolitan area, at the DMP headquarters on Sunday.
Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram in the Hijri year, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).
This year, Ashura will be observed in the country on August 30.
The DMP chief urged the organizers of Ashura programs to follow health guidelines in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In order to ensure social distancing, the DMP commissioner suggested allowing visitors to enter the Imambaras in small groups and for a set period.
"We will do our utmost to ensure safety during Ashura. We are by your side in any need," he said.
Representatives of intelligence agencies, Fire Service, RAB, Dhaka North and South City corporations, senior officials of DMP and leaders of the Shia community of Lalbagh, Mirpur and Tejgaon areas were present on the occasion.
