Muslims across Bangladesh are observing Ashura on Tuesday (Sept 10) with due religious fervour and solemnity.

Observed on the 10th day of Muharram, Ashura commemorates the death of Imam Hussain, the second grandchild of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who along with his family and 72 followers embraced martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

Muslims all over the world observe this day amidst voluntary fasting and other religious activities.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the holy Ashura, paying deep respects to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.

Different political, socio-cultural and religious organisations have chalked out various programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.

The programmes include processions, Quran-Khwani, Milad Mahfil, fasting, special prayer and feeding of the destitute.

Tajia processions will be brought from Old Dhaka’s Hossaini Dalan and other areas in the capital in the afternoon.

Marking the day, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken a stringent security measure across the old city’s Hossaini Dalan area for peaceful observance of the holy Ashura.

Imambara Hossaini Dalan area has been brought under foolproof security with installing closed-circuit camera televisions (CCTVs), archways, and none will be allowed to join the procession without the search.

Bags and sharp objects such as knife, sword and blade, explosives, tea flax, pressure cooker, and flagstaff taller than 12 feet will not be allowed in the tajia processions while firecrackers will remain banned during the event.

The day is a public holiday.