Hero of the 1969 mass upsurge, Shaheed Asad, was remembered by the nation with fervour yesterday.
Different political, student, and cultural organisations observed the 42nd death anniversary of the martyr (Shaheed Asad Day) in a befitting manner.
Revolutionary Workers Party (RWP) organised a rally in his memory near Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).
Speakers there said Asad’s martyrdom provided immense courage to people of Bangladesh, which eventually brought about the fall of dictator Ayub Khan.
RWP presidium member Nasiruddin Ahmed Nasu, Prof Akteruzzaman of Dhaka University, comrade Abdus Salam, and Bonhishikha Jamali also spoke.
Ganatantrik Baam Morcha held similar programme close to DMCH. The speakers said Asad’s martyrdom strengthened Bangalees’ spirit of liberation.
NAP Bhashani organised a discussion at Dhaka Reporters Unity, attended by Awami League presidium member Obaidul Quader.
He said the sentiment that worked as a driving force before liberation war has changed. Political leaders today are more interested in personal gain instead of sacrifice.
Bangladesh Communist League placed wreath at Asad’s memorial in honour of the martyr. The party members observed a one-minute silence pledging to work for freedom of speech, democracy, and an oppression-free society.
Jatiya Ganatantrik League organised a discussion at its office at Kallyanpur in the capital.
The speakers said Asad’s dream was to create Bangladesh as a nation without oppression; but BNP-Jamaat-led anti-liberation forces are trying to blemish the idealism.
General Secretary of National Awami Party Abdul Matin Master and Vice-chairs of Jatiya Ganatantrik League Jahanara Begum and Sardar Mohammad Ali Badal also spoke.
Bangladesh Nari Mukti Andolon organised similar programme at its Lalmatia office.
Asad was killed by police during a protest against the then Ayub Khan regime on January 20, 1969. It led to the mass upsurge changing the nature of student movement that set the stage for the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971.
