The Shia community in Chattogram held mourning assemblies and processions on Friday to mark Holy Ashura, commemorating the tragic events of Karbala.
Hundreds of men, women, and children participated in the programmes, which highlighted the ideals of Imam Hussain’s (AS) sacrifice while calling for Muslim unity, global peace, and a firm stance against militancy and extremism.
The day’s observances began at 10:30am with a Masayeb Majlis at the Sadarghat Hussainiya Imambargah. During the assembly, Hujjatul Islam Maulana Amzad Hossain recounted the heart-rending martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his family members at the hands of Yazid’s forces in the desert of Karbala.
Devotees later paid their respects to the martyrs of Karbala through mourning rituals.
Following the majlis, a mourning procession led by Maulana Hossain was brought out from the Imambargah. The rally paraded through several key city roads, including New Market, GPO, and Kotwali Crossing, before concluding back at the Sadarghat Hussainiya Imambargah.
A second mourning rally was held at 4pm in the Akbar Shah area, traversing GEC, No 2 Gate, Sher Shah, and Bayezid Bostami Road.
Participants in the processions carried symbolic coffins of Imam Hussain (AS) and various mourning flags (Alam). The atmosphere was filled with the recitation of Nauha and Marsiya in memory of the martyrs, as chants of “Ya Hussain” and “Labbaik Ya Hussain” resonated throughout the surrounding areas.
Addressing a brief assembly in the New Market area, Maulana Amzad Hossain said the lessons of Karbala are not merely a chapter of history but an eternal call to stand firmly for truth, justice, and humanity.
He expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of murder, oppression, and human rights violations against Muslims and persecuted populations across the globe.
In this context, he stressed the urgent need for the Muslim Ummah to strengthen unity and take a collective stand against injustice.
The assembly concluded with a strong condemnation of all forms of war, aggression, and the shedding of innocent blood.
Speakers urged the international community to play a more effective role in establishing world peace and protecting international law and human rights, noting that the noble ideals of Karbala continue to inspire humanity to unite for peace and justice.
