DMP bans weapons, fireworks in Tazia processions

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on carrying weapons and weapon-like items, as well as the use of fireworks and firecrackers during Tazia processions marking the holy Ashura in the capital on Jun 26.

A public notice issued on Sunday under sections 28 and 29 of the DMP Ordinance, signed by Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, prohibits cleavers, daggers, spears, lances, swords and sticks, along with firecrackers and fireworks.

The holy Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is one of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar.

For the Shia community in particular, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq in 680 CE.

Tazia processions are mourning marches held to remember the tragedy of Karbala.

The DMP said some participants had in past years carried weapons during the processions, creating untoward situations that threatened public safety and triggered panic among ordinary citizens.

The capital's police force added that while lighting fireworks and firecrackers has become a custom during Muharram, it does not match the religious solemnity of the day.