Shaheed Nur Hossain Day, a red-letter day to restore democracy in the country, is being observed today with due solemnity, reports BSS.
On this day in 1987, Awami Juba 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 at 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.
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 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 at last democracy was established through the sacrifice of 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 families.
Awami League’s programmes to mark the day included 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, including party units across the country and associate and likeminded organizations, to observe the “Shaheed Nur Hossain Day” in a befitting manner.