DHAKA, Dec 14, 2019 (BSS) – President M Abdul Hamid today paid rich
tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreath at the Martyred
Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur here on the occasion of Martyred
Intellectuals Day.
The head of the state placed the wreath around 7:05 am to pay homage to
the great heroes of the country, who embraced martyrdom for the cause of the
nation, just two days ahead of the country’s final victory for independence
on this day 48 years back.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the President on his
arrival at Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at 7 am.
The President along with the head of the government stood in solemn
silence there for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of
the martyred intellectuals.
A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave a state
salute while the bugle played the last post at that time.
After placing the wreath, President Hamid exchanged views with the Prime
Minister.
Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and ruling Awami League
General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader were
present there.
Abdul Hamid also talked to the war-wounded freedom fighters and family
members of the martyred intellectuals who were present there and enquired
about their health.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, secretaries concerned
to the Bangabhaban accompanied the President at that time.
Members of the cabinet, parliament members, national leaders, the chiefs
of the three services, and high-ranking civil and military officials were
present during the time.
On this day 48 years back, the Pakistani occupation forces with the help
of their local collaborators — Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams — killed the
most prominent intellectuals of the country.
As many as 200 illustrious sons of the soil, including professors,
journalists, doctors, artistes, engineers and writers, were abducted from
their respective residences blindfolded during December 10 to 14 in 1971.
They were taken blindfolded to torture cells at Mirpur, Mohammadpur,
Nakhalpara, Rajarbagh and other locations in different parts of the city.
Subsequently they were put to death en masse at different killing grounds,
most notably Rayerbazar and Mirpur, in a bid to cripple the newly emerging
Bangladesh intellectually.
Those who were exposed to the killers’ wrath on December 14, 1971 included
Dr Alim Chowdhury and Dr Fazle Rabbi, Journalists Shahidullah Kaisar,
Sirajuddin Hossain, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan and Selina Parveen, and
litterateur Monier Choudhury.
Since then, the day is being observed as the Martyred Intellectuals Day.