Ashura being observed in Bangladesh

The Shia Muslim community in Bangladesh is observing Ashura with customary reverence and solemnity, commemorating the 7th-century martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussein.

At 10am on Sunday, devotees marked the occasion by participating in a procession, which involves carrying a Tazia, or a replica of the mausoleum of Imam Hussein.

Barefoot and beating their chests in grief, mourners led the procession out of Old Dhaka’s Hussaini Dalan Imambara as cries of “Hai Hussein, Hai Hussein” echoed through the air, reports bdnews24.com.

In remembrance of Karbala, symbolic coffins of Imam Hussein are carried in the procession. Leading the way are two symbolic horses representing those belonging to Imam Hasan and his brother Imam Hussein.

Devotees poured milk over the horses and fed them chickpeas. Some carried long bamboo poles with various flags mounted on top. Others wore black headbands, and many held flags with red, black, and golden tassels.

MM Firoz Hossain, the superintendent of Hussaini Dalan Imambara, said: “The Tazia procession has been organised with a black banner in front, Beheshti (red-green flag), Panja Alam (a hand-shaped emblem), Zuljanah horse, Khuni horse, and a zari-adorned Tazia.”

With thousands participating, the procession starts from the north gate of the Hussaini Dalan Imambara and winds through different parts of the capital before ending at a symbolic Karbala ground in Dhanmondi around 2:30pm.

Ashura is observed on the 10th day of the lunar month Muharram in the Islamic calendar. It marks the climax of the Battle of Karbala in modern-day Iraq when Imam Hussein ibn Ali was slain in 680 AD.

In years gone by, young men would be seen flogging themselves with sharp objects in a passionate re-enactment of the martyrdom in the Tazia procession. But police imposed a ban on carrying sharp objects and sticks following a militant attack on mourners in 2015.

The main formalities for Ashura began on Saturday evening at Hussaini Dalan. After Maghrib prayers, sermons were delivered highlighting the significance of Ashura.

Throughout the day, special prayers and recitations were offered. Devotees paid symbolic tribute to Imam Hussein. Many devout Muslims also fasted in hopes of receiving spiritual blessings.

The first procession was held at 7:30pm on Friday, followed by a second one at 2am on Saturday from Hussaini Dalan.

In addition to Muslims, people of other faiths, including Hindu devotees, also joined the procession.

Jatindra Das, a 65-year-old resident of Khwaja Dewan in Lalbagh who has been taking part in the Tazia procession for nearly 50 years, said: "I’ve been coming to the Tazia procession for 50-60 years. We made a vow, that’s why we come. Religion doesn’t matter here, everyone joins. All communities observe this, be it Hindus, Muslims -- everyone. I came with my family. My parents used to bring me. Now I bring my daughter and wife.”

Md Jahangir Hossain, a resident of Hazaribagh who has been attending the procession for 49 years, said:

“My parents brought me here since I was 14 days old. Even before I could understand anything, they brought me. I’ve never missed a year, no matter what difficulties came. By this blessing, Allah has kept us well.”

Setara Begum, a local resident, said: “I was born in Dalan. Since childhood, I’ve always come here every 15 days, every week. During the month of Muharram, I stay here. After marriage, for 30–35 years, I’ve been coming weekly or every 15 days.”

Outside Hussaini Dalan, other places in the capital, such as Boro Katra, Mohammadpur Bihari Camp, Shia Mosque, Bibika Rauza, and Pallabi Bihari Camp in Mirpur, also observed Ashura with deep religious devotion.

To ensure the procession proceeds safely, law enforcement has taken strict security measures.

According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), full preparations have been made to ensure peaceful observance of the day. The use of weapons such as machetes, knives, scissors, spears, tridents, swords, and sticks has been banned during the procession. Fireworks and firecrackers have also been prohibited. These restrictions will remain in effect for the duration of the Tazia procession.