Different political parties and socio-cultural organisations including Bangladesh Awami League on Sunday observed Shaheed Noor 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 Noor 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 Noor 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 Noor 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 Noor 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 Noor Hossain, he said, adding, “Today, I recall all the martyrs with respect, including Noor 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 Noor Hossain, Babul and Fattah. She prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of all martyrs, including Noor 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 Noor Hossain by placing floral wreath at Shaheed Noor Hossain Square this morning. Remembering Noor Hossain, the AL general secretary said the country’s democracy for which Noor 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, Awami Jubo League, Chhatra League, Swechchhasebak League, Krishak League and Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote placed wreaths at Noor Hossain Square paying glowing tributes to Noor Hossain. Different socio-cultural and professional organisations as well as ruling Awami League had chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.