The Martyred Intellectuals’ Day was observed in city and elsewhere across the country with a call for completing the trial of rest of the war criminals to make the nation free from stigma.
Different political parties, socio-cultural, educational institutions and professional organisations arranged discussion meetings, cultural functions and Doa Mahfils to mark the day and paid rich tributes to the country’s golden sons of the soil who were killed at the fag-end of the War of Liberation in 1971. Since early Wednesday morning, hundreds of people from all walks of life converged in the areas surrounding Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard and the Rayer Bazar Martyred Memorial (killing ground) to pay their homage to the worthy sons of the soil who were massacred by the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators at the dawn of the country’s independence on December 14.
They demanded immediate trial of the rest of the war criminals.
On the night of December 14 in 1971, over 200 Bangalee intellectuals including professors, journalists, doctors, artistes, engineers, and writers were picked up in Dhaka by the Pakistani occupation forces, aided by their local collaborators.
The intellectuals were taken blindfolded to the torture cells in Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Nakhalpara, Rajarbagh and other locations in different parts of the city and later executed en masse at different killing grounds, most notably Rayerbazar and Mirpur.
The programmes of the day included raising of black flags and hoisting of the national flag at half mast, placing of wreaths at the martyred intellectuals memorials and graveyards, discussions, lighting of candles in memory of the martyrs, mourning marches, painting, general knowledge hand writing competitions and doa mahfils seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs.
On the occasion of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial of Mirpur yesterday morning.
The President placed the wreaths around 7:05 am yesterday to pay homage to the great heroes, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the country and the nation. He stood in solemn silence there for some time as the bugle played the last post.
Members of the cabinet, the mayors of Dhaka North and South City Corporations, the chiefs of the three services as well as high civil and military officials were present.
Later, the prime minister talked to the war-wounded freedom fighters and the family members of the martyred intellectuals and enquired about their wellbeing.
The Premier later went to Dhanmondi in the capital and placed a wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day.
After placing the wreath, she stood there for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independence.
After the Prime Minister’s departure from Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Memorial area, 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.
Later, BNP led by its Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Jatiya Party led by its Chairman HM Ershad, Workers Party led by its President Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal led by its President Hasanul Haque Inu, and other political parties placed wreaths in observance of the day.
Besides, leaders and workers of Awami League, its associate bodies and student wing, Mukitijoddha Sangsad, Dhaka University, Amra Muktijoddhar Santan, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Shishu Academy, Bangabandhu Parishad, Bangabandhu Gabeshana Parishad, National Museum, Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, Biplobi Workers Party, National Awami Party, Chhatra Union, Dhaka Reporters Unity and other universities, educational institutions and socio-cultural-professional bodies placed wreaths paying homage to the martyred intellectuals.
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.
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said, all out initiative are now underway to execute the verdict of the convicted fugitive killers of the intellectuals after bringing back home.
Meanwhile, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haq said that the government will prepare a complete list of the martyred intellectuals by July next.
“Work on preparing the list is now going on,” he said.
