Noor Hossain Day observed

With due solemnity, Shaheed Noor Hossain Day was observed yesterday. Different social and political organisations held various programmes, marking the day.

They commemorated the supreme sacrifice of the pro-democratic activist, who laid down his life during an anti-Ershad demonstration in Dhaka's Zero Point in 1987. This place was renamed “Noor Hossain Chattar (square)”.

Leaders and activists of political parties paid tributes to the martyr by placing wreaths there.

The president and prime minister also issued separate messages.

Painting the historic slogan “Swairachar Nipat Jak, Ganatantra Mukti Pak” (down with autocracy, let democracy be freed) on his back and chest, Noor Hossain joined the anti-autocracy movement on November 10, 1987. He was gunned down when police opened fire on the demonstration.

The martyrdom of Noor Hossain and others expedited the movement, and eventually autocratic ruler HM Ershad had to step down on December 6, 1990.