BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia today called upon the countrymen to join her anti-government movement in the spirit of Ashura.

She came down heavily on the Awami League-led government, saying that the countrymen should follow the footsteps of Karbala sacrifice and act accordingly to protect their sovereignty, freedom and democracy.

“As a follower of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) it is our duty to protest against the incumbent illegal government,” she said in a statement this afternoon.

The holy Ashura will be observed countrywide tomorrow to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA), grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The day has been declared a public holiday.

The government and various religious organisations have taken initiatives to observe the day in a befitting manner.