Nation observes Martyred Intellectuals’ Day with due respect

The nation on Monday observed the Martyred Intellectuals’ Day paying glowing tributes to the intellectuals who were brutally killed by the Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators at the fag-end of the country’s Liberation War in 1971.

Sensing a humiliating defeat, the retreating Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators — Rajakars, Al- Badrs and Al-Shams — dragged off the frontline Bangalee intellectuals and worthy professionals from their houses on December 14 and assassinated them with the intention of crippling the newborn nation intellectually.

Marking the day, hundreds of people from all walks of life converged at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Mausoleum in Mirpur and the Rayer Bazar killing ground (Baddhobhumi), maintaining the health guidelines, to pay their homage to the worthy sons of the soil.

The programmes of the day included raising of black flag and hoisting of the national flag half mast, placing of wreaths at the martyred intellectuals memorials and graveyards, discussions, lighting of candles in memory of the martyrs, morning marches, painting, general knowledge and hand writing competitions and milad and doa mahfils seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid their homage to the martyred intellectuals of 1971.

On behalf of President Hamid, Military Secretary Maj Gen SM Shamim-uz-Zaman paid homage at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at 7.10 am on Monday while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Military Secretary Maj Gen Naqib Ahmed Chowdhury paid the tribute on her behalf.

A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave a state salute while the bugle played the last post at that time.

Later, on behalf of Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, Serjeant-at-Arms MM Naim Rahman and on behalf Liberation War Affairs Ministry AKM Mozammel Haque paid homage at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial.

Besides, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader along with party’s central leaders paid homage to martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at 9am.