DHAKA: The holy Ashura will be observed across the country on November 4 (Tuesday) as the moon of Muharram month was sighted in Bangladesh sky on Saturday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Baitul Mukarram Islamic Foundation this evening.

Religious Affairs State Minister Principal Matiur Rahman, also chairman of the moon sighting committee, presided over the meeting.

Religious Affairs Secretary M Babul Hasan, Islamic Foundation Director General Shamim Afzal, Chief Information Officer Tasir Ahmed and Religious Affairs Joint Secretary Dr M Borhan Uddin were among others present at the meeting.

Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram to commemorate the ‘Karbala Tragedy’ in which Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) along with his family members and followers embraced martyrdom.

The day is a public holiday.

BDST: 2000 HRS, OCT 25, 2014