Police impose restrictions as part of extensive security preparations for Ashura

After last year’s attack on a gathering of Shia Muslims, police are setting time limits and imposing several other restrictions related to Taazia processions during Ashura to ensure security.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 6 Oct 2016, 12:57 PM
Updated : 6 Oct 2016, 12:57 PM

Police are taking a ‘three-tiered’ approach to guaranteeing security during the Taazia processions, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia on a visit to Old Dhaka’s Hussaini Dalan.

Police will provide vigilant, uninterrupted security to all places holding Taazia processions, he said.

“Muslims have commemorated this day for 400 years. To suffer an attack on such a day is incredibly sad. This is why we have incorporated lessons from last year’s attack into our security plans.”

He outlined a number of rules that are to be followed during the Taazia processions:

>> This year Taazia processions can be brought out from 6pm to 8pm in the evening on Oct 10, from 6am to 12 noon onOct 11, and from 10am in the morning until before afternoon prayers on Oct 12. Processions cannot be held at any other time.

>> Sharp objects such as swords, knives, spears and scissors are forbidden at all Taazia processions.

>> Flag poles in the processions cannot be more than 12 feet long.

>> Anyone wishing to participate in the main Taazia procession from Hussaini Dalan will need permission from the Imambarha Council to do so.

>> Anyone wishing to enter Hussaini Dalan must do so through the archway. The area around Hussaini Dalan will also be under surveillance by CCTV cameras.

Muslims observe Ashura on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

It is a day of mourning in memory of Imam Hussein Ibn Ali, the second grandson of Prophet Muhammad who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

On Ashura, the city's largest Taazia procession begins at the Hussaini Dalan.

In the traditional processions some devotees lacerate themselves with sharp weapons to demonstrate their grief and echo the sufferings of Imam Hussein.

The DMP chief said that he had asked for the community’s permission before imposing this year’s ban on sharp weapons.

At last year’s Ashura preparations bombs were detonated at Hussaini Dalan, resulting in several casualties.

For this reason a large police force and several detectives have been deployed to provide security and keep an eye on this year’s proceedings, Asaduzzaman Mia said.