ZCZC
BSS-15
DAY-NUR HOSSAIN-LEAD
Shaheed Nur Hossain Day tomorrow: President, PM issue messages
DHAKA, Nov 9, 2018 (BSS) – The Shaheed Nur Hossain Day, a red-letter day
in restoration of democracy in the history of Bangladesh, will be observed
tomorrow with due solemnity.
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 all the martyrs with respect, 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, Communist Party of Bangladesh will also place wreaths at
Shaheed Nur Hossain Square at 8 am.
BSS/PR/PSB/1750 hrs