The nation will observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day today (Tuesday) paying homage to the illustrious sons of the soil who were brutally killed a couple of days before the final victory of the Liberation War in 1971.
With defeat looming large, the Pakistani occupation army aided by their local collaborators – Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams – abducted frontline Bangalee intellectuals and professionals and before December 14 in 1971 and killed them with the avowed goal to cripple the nation intellectually.
The occupation forces blindfolded renowned academics, litterateurs, doctors, engineers, journalists and other eminent personalities as they were dragged out of their houses in Dhaka before being killed. The bodies were dumped in Rayerbazar, Mirpur and other killing fields.
Different socio-cultural organisations and political parties have taken up various programmes, including seminars and discussions, to commemorate the martyred intellectuals.
President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the eve of the Martyred Intellectuals Day.
The President in his message said: “The barbaric killings of the intellectuals caused irreparable loss to the nation. As an independent nation we are grateful to the martyred intellectuals.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the martyred intellectuals would be forever remembered for their deeds, ideals and patriotism. The nation will never forget their sacrifice.
She said: “We have to uphold the achievements of the Liberation War and its spirit through united efforts.”
Hasina urged the people to come forward to build a non-communal “Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia urged the countrymen to work unitedly to build a Bangladesh as desired by the martyred intellectuals.
On the day, the national flag along with black flags will be hoisted at half-mast.
The President, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and leaders of various political parties will place wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard in city’s Mirpur in the morning.
The family members of the martyred intellectuals will also visit the graveyard to pay homage.
Different print and electronic media will bring out special supplement on the day.
