The holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain Ibn Ali (RA), a grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), will be observed across the country today with due religious solemnity.

Today is the 10th day of the month of Muharram in Hijri calendar. Muslims across the world recall the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) along with his family members and 72 followers, who embraced martyrdom in 680 AD for establishing truth and justice in the fight with soldiers of Yazid on Karbala Maidan in Iraq.

The day is a public holiday.

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

In his message, the president said, "The holy Ashura is a significant and mourning day for the whole Muslim Ummah."

Their supreme sacrifice for upholding the ideals of Islam remains as a glorious event in the history, he said.

"Islam is a religion of peace and harmony. Here there is no room for confrontation, jealousy and envy," President Hamid added.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and his companions to establish truth and justice in society is a glaring and emulating example for the Muslim Ummah across the world.

She urged all to follow health guidelines and offer special prayers to the Almighty Allah seeking relief from the coronavirus pandemic.

Police have taken special security measures in the capital marking the occasion.

The religious affairs ministry has restricted Tazia marches, processions and rallies on the occasion of the holy Ashura.

However, all other necessary religious rituals on this occasion can be performed maintaining health protocols, said a release of the ministry on August 17.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels will air special programmes, while newspapers and online news portals publish supplements highlighting the significance of the day.