United News of Bangladesh

Tazia processions marking holy Ashura were held peacefully in the capital on Sunday amid strict security measures taken by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).   The main mourning procession of the Shia community began at 10:00 am from the historic Hussaini Dalan in Old Dhaka, with thousands of participants walking barefoot, beating their chests and chanting "Hay Hussein, Hay Hussein" in remembrance.   The procession moved through Bakshibazar Lane, Lalbagh, Shaheed Mazar Road, Azimpur, Nilkhet, Mirpur Road, Dhaka College, Science Laboratory, Dhanmondi Residential Area, BGB Gate No. 4 and Sat Masjid Road, before ending at the symbolic Karbala point on the banks of Dhanmondi Lake.   Earlier  ahead of the procession, DMP had imposed a ban on carrying sharp weapons such as knives, daggers, scissors, spears, lances, swords, and sticks, as well as the use of fireworks and firecrackers.   Holy Ashura being observed with religious solemnity   The 10th of Muharram, observed as Ashura, holds deep religious significance for Muslims across the world.    The Shia community commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein through various rituals, with the Tazia procession being a central part of the observance.   In Dhaka, major mourning processions and events were organised by the Shia community from the historic Hussaini Dalan Imambara in Lalbagh, Boro Katara Imambara, and other locations across the city.    

Dhaka Metropolitan Police will monitor and take action against dissemination of hateful comments or propaganda on Tazia processions of the Shia community on social media during Holy Ashura. DMP commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said this at press briefing on the security measures taken regarding Tazia procession and observence of Holy Ashura at old Dhaka’s Imambara Husaini Dalan on Thursday. “We don’t have any information of sabotage centering the Tazia procession but all the roads the procession will cross will remain under tight security blanket,” the DMP commissioner said replying to a journalist’s question. Also read: Holy Ashura on Aug 9, Muharram Sunday He said Tazia processions will be brought out on August 7 and it will continue till August 9. “In some places the festivities may start from August 6 but the main program will continue for four days,” he added. Police personnel will remain deployed at different points of the capital as well as on rooftops of buildings, he said. “Bomb disposal unit and dog squad will sweep the roads through which the procession will pass, “ he said. Raids and block raids will be conducted in hotels of the adjacent areas one or two days before the Ashura, said the DMP Commissioner. Also read: Intensify searching in hotels, messes to prevent subversive acts: DMP commissioner Holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), will be observed in the country on August 9.