Thousands of members of Bangladesh’s Shia community participated in the procession. Most participants wore black as a symbol of mourning. Many carried replicas of nishans (standards), alams, zuljanah (duldul), paws and other religious symbols. The participants beat their chests in mourning and repeatedly chanted ‘Ya Hussein’, filling the area with expressions of grief over the tragedy of Karbala.
Abu Hussain, who traveled from Keraniganj to participate in the procession, told Prothom Alo, “On this day in Karbala, Imam Hussain (RA) was martyred by Yazid’s army. This is one of the most tragic events in Islamic history. That is why it is a day of mourning, sorrow and lamentation for us.”
Mohammad Swapan of Nawabganj joins the Tazia procession with his family every year and this year too was no exception. Flanked by his young children, he said, “I have brought them here so that the new generation can learn about the history of Karbala. I want my children to know the true history and grow up with that awareness.”