Shaheed Nur Hossain Day today
Tomorrow is Shaheed Nur Hossain Day, a red-letter day in restoration of democracy in the history of Bangladesh.
On this day in 1987, Awami Juba League (AJL) leader Nur Hossain, who imprinted his bare chest and back with slogans "Free democracy" and "Down with autocracy", embraced martyrdom in police firing during an anti-autocracy demonstration at the city's Zero Point, now known as Shaheed Nur Hossain Square.
AJL leader Nurul Huda Babul and farmers' leader Aminul Huda Tito of Bajitpur in Kishoreganj district were also killed in police firing during the mass movement for restoration of democracy against autocratic rule.
The martyrdom of Nur Hossain and others during the mass upsurge of late 90s expedited the anti-autocracy movement. In the face of the movement, autocratic rule had to step down on December 6 in 1990. Since then, the day is being observed every year as the Shaheed Nur Hossain Day.
Different socio-cultural and professional organisations as well as ruling Awami League have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day.
President Abdul Hamid, in his message, said November 10 is an important day in the history of democracy restoration movement in the country.
On this day, the city roads were reddened with the blood of Nur Hossain, he said, adding "Today, I recall with respect all the martyrs, including Nur Hossain, who embraced martyrdom for the country's democracy".
In her message, Prime minister Sheikh Hasina said at last the country's democracy restored through the sacrifice of the lives by many people, including Babul and Fattah.
She prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of all martyrs, including Nur Hossain, and convoyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
The Awami League's programmes to mark the day include placing of wreaths at Shaheed Nur Hossain Square at 8 am and offering of special prayers seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of the slain AJL leader.
In a separate statement today, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader urged the people of all strata, including party units across the country and associate and likeminded organizations, to observe the "Shaheed Nur Hossain Day" in a befitting manner.
Marking the day, Gana Forum will organize a discussion at its central office at 4 pm in city's Arambag area.
Gana Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain and central leaders of the party will address the discussion.
Source: BSS
