Holy Ashura to be observed on July 17

The holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson Hazrat Imam Hossain Ibn Ali (RA), will be observed in the country on July 17 as the moon of the holy month of Muharram was not sighted in the sky on Saturday.

The decision was taken in the meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee at the Islamic Foundation's conference room at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka today.

Awal Hawlader, additional secretary, Religious Affairs Ministry, presided over the meeting.

As per the information received from all district administrations, Islamic Foundation's head office, divisional and district offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), and the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), the moon of the holy month of Muharram was not sighted anywhere the country, he said.

The holy month of Zilhaj will complete on Sunday and the holy month of Muharram will start on Monday and accordingly, the holy Ashura will be observed on July 17, the additional secretary added.

RMM/SU