DHAKA, Nov 10, 2019 (BSS) – Various political and socio-cultural
organizations including Bangladesh Awami League today observed Shaheed Nur
Hossain Day recalling his outstanding contributions to anti-autocracy
movement and restoration of democracy in the country.
On this day in 1987, Awami Jubo League (AJL) leader Nur Hossain, who
imprinted his bare chest and back with the slogans “Free democracy” and “Down
with autocracy”, embraced martyrdom in police firing during an anti-autocracy
demonstration in 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, the
then autocratic ruler had to step down on December 6 in 1990. Since then, the
day is being observed every year as the Shaheed Nur Hossain Day.
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 democratic 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 democracy was restored
through the sacrifice of many people, including Nur Hossain, 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 families.
To mark the day, Bangladesh Awami League, led by its General Secretary and
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, paid homage to Nur
Hossain by placing a wreath at Shaheed Nur Hossain Square this morning.
Remembering Nur Hossain, the AL general secretary said the country’s
democracy for which Nur Hossain shed blood is continuing.
AL Joint General Secretary Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Organizing Secretaries
AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Cultural Affairs Secretary
Ashim Kumar Ukil and Office Secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap were present.
Besides, Bangladesh Workers party, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Biplobi
Workers Party, Left Democratic Alliance, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal(BSD),
Awami Jubo League, Chhatra League, Sechchhasevak League, Krishak League and
Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote placed wreaths at Nur Hossain Square
Paying glowing tributes to Nur Hossain, 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.