DHAKA (AA) – Thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims staged demonstrations across the country on Friday to mark Ashura, the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram.

Vibrant rallies were held in different cities across the Asian country, including capital Dhaka, to celebrate the occasion.

Ashura is commemorated by Shiite Muslims as a day of mourning for the killing of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

For Sunni Muslims, Ashura marks the day that Prophet Musa – Moses – was saved from the Egyptian pharaoh.

"Ashura inspires us to be vocal against any injustice and repression and walk on the path of Imam Hussein," Bangladeshi President M. Abdul Hamid said in a message delivered for the occasion.

Prime Minister Sheik Hasina, for her part, called on all Bangladeshis to follow the teachings of Ashura with a view to promoting justice and truth in all sphere of life.

The holiday has been given a special coverage by local media outlets, with newspapers publishing special supplements highlighting the significance of Ashura.

All state-run and private channels, including state-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Radio, broadcast special programs on Friday to mark the occasion.