BSS-28 Martyred Intellectuals’ Day observed with due respect

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ZCZC

BSS-28

DAY-MARTYRED-INTELLECTUALS

Martyred Intellectuals’ Day observed with due respect

DHAKA, Dec 14, 2018 (BSS) – The nation today 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) to pay their homage to the worthy sons of the soil.

The programmes of the day included raising of black flags 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 today paid rich tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths around 7:05 am at the Martyred Intellectuals Mausoleum at Mirpur here.

He stood in solemn silence there for a few minutes as the bugle played the last post.

Earlier, on his arrival at the mausoleum site, President Abdul Hamid was received by several cabinet members, parliament members, senior Awami League leaders, war-wounded freedom fighters and family members of the martyred intellectuals.

Later, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial.

After placing the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the illustrious sons of the soil.

A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave a state salute while the bugle played the last post at that time. Members of the cabinet, parliament members, the chiefs of the three services, the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) as well as high civil and military officials were present.

Later, on behalf of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, party general secretary Obaidul Quader along with senior leaders paid homage to the martyrs.

Besides, Awami League paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his portrait at Dhanmondi-32 here in the morning.

AL also organised a discussion at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh at 3 pm.

Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting.

Dhaka University authorities organised a discussion at the Teacher-Student Centre with Vice Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman in the chiar.

Islamic Foundation organised Quran Khwani, milad and doa mahfil at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque where special prayers (munajat) and doa were offered for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs.

Different political, professional, social and cultural organisations, including Jatiya Press Club, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Bangabandhu Gabeshana Parishad, Jatiya Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Bangabandhu Parishad, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Sector Commanders’ Forum and Liberation War Museum also chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.

People from all walks of life, central leaders of the 14-party alliance, other social-cultural-professional bodies and war-wounded freedom fighters and members of the martyred families placed wreaths at the memorial in a large queue.

Leaders of Dhaka City AL, Awami Juba League, Awami Swechchasebak League, Krishak League, Jatiya Sramik League, Mahila AL, Chhatra League, Juba Mahila League, Jatiya Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Workers Party, Bangladesh Communist Party, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BaSoD), Gono Forum, Bangladesh Jubo Moitree, universities and other educational institutions and socio-cultural-professional bodies placed wreaths paying homage to the martyred intellectuals.

BSS/DH/KU/1851 HRS