The traditional Tazia processions were held in Dhaka city under strict security on Friday, marking the martyrdom of Imam Husain, beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Battle of Karbala.

The largest procession began from the historic Husaini Dalan Imambara in Old Dhaka to observe the Ashura at about 10:00am and ended at the Jigatala point of Dhanmondi Lake at about 2:00pm.

Tazia processions were also brought out in Mohammadpur and Mirpur areas, while another large procession began from Bibir Bagicha toward Dhanmondi at about 3:00pm.

Besides Tazia processions, discussions and musical events were held at mosques, Imambaras, and temporary stalls dedicated to Imam Hussain.

Abdul Wahed, a volunteer from the Bara Katra Waqf Imambara, said that they experienced strict security measures over the past three days.

‘The procession began at 10:00am while the streets were under strict security. Members of different security forces were present to escort the rally,’ he said, adding that excessive heat caused lower attendance than in previous years.

Anas, a 13-year-old boy from Kamrangirchar who carried a flag depicting the horse of Imam Husain, said that he had joined the procession for three consecutive years with his family and community.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police took strict measures to ensure safety at the procession. They deployed specialised security units, set up CCTV surveillance systems, and enforced traffic diversions along the entire route.

Earlier, the DMP banned all kinds of weapons, including sharp objects, during the Tazia procession.

Ashura is observed on the 10th day of Muharram in the Hijri year.

On this day in the Hijri year 61, Imam Hussain, along with his family members and 72 followers, embraced martyrdom at the hands of the soldiers of Yazid in the desert of Karbala to uphold the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.