DHAKA: The holy Ashura, marking the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA), grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), was observed on the 10th of Muharram on Saturday across the country with due religious solemnity.

The Arabic Hijri year 1437 started from October 15.

Muslims believe that the Almighty Allah created the world on the day.

On this day, Allah also delivered Hazrat Musa and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people; accepted the repentance of Adam (AS) after his exile from Paradise; saved Nuh (AS) and his companions in the ark; extinguished the fire in which Ibrahim (AS) was thrown by Namrud; and spoke directly to Musa (AS) and gave him the Commandments.

Besides, on this 10th of Muharram, Ayyub (AS) was restored to health (from leprosy); Yusuf (AS) was reunited with his father Ya’qub (AS); Yunus (AS) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the river Nile was divided as the nation of Israel was delivered from captivity of Pharaohs and their army was destroyed.

Ashura is also the day when Dawud (AS) was forgiven; the kingdom of Sulaiman (AS) was restored and Isa (AS) was raised to heaven.

The day was a public holiday.

President M Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, opposition leader Raushan Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages on the occasions paying deep respects to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.

They also urged to build the country following the teachings of Holy Ashura.

Different religious organizations chalked out various programs to observe the day in a befitting manner.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private TV channels and private radio stations aired special programs while newspapers and online news portals published supplements highlighting the significance of the day.

BDST: 2141 HRS, OCT 24, 2015
SR