The move comes weeks before Ashura, which is observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. “They (Shias) always wear shackles and carry swords, machetes, knives and spears during their procession taken out from Old Dhaka’s Hussaini Dalan. It is mostly Shia Muslims who observe the day in Dhaka and across Bangladesh by taking out Taazia processions and engaging in self-flagellation. Mia said police had taken all necessary measures to ensure adequate security for both Ashura processions and Durga Puja, the biggest Hindu religious festival in Bangladesh. The immersion of Durga’s idol will be done on the same day as Ashura.

Source: bd News24 September 29, 2016 11:37 UTC