Shaheed Noor Hossain Day today

The Shaheed Noor Hossain Day will be observed today in a befitting manner, commemorating the martyrdom of a young pro-democracy activist during the anti-Ershad movement in the late 80s.

On this day in 1987, Noor Hossain, who imprinted his bare chest and back with slogan “Swairachar Nipat Jak, Gonotantra Mukti Pak” (down with autocracy, let democracy be freed), was gunned down in police firing during an anti-autocracy demonstration in the capital's Zero Point. This place was renamed after "Noor Hossain Chattar (square)".

Juba League leader Nurul Huda Babul and farmers' leader Aminul Huda Tito of Bajitpur in Kishoreganj district were also killed in the police firing, reports BSS.

In the face of the movement, the autocratic ruler had to step down on December 6, 1990. Since then, the day has been observed every year as the Shaheed Noor Hossain Day.

Different socio-cultural and professional organisations as well as ruling Awami League have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.

The AL programmes include placing wreaths at Shaheed Nur Hossain Square at 8:00am and offering special prayers seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of the slain Nur Hossain.

Gono Forum will organise a discussion at its central office at 4:00pm in city's Arambag area where its President Dr Kamal Hossain will address.

UNB adds: President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.

In his message, Abdul Hamid recalled with gratitude the supreme sacrifice of Noor Hossain to restore democracy in the country.

In her message, Sheikh Hasina said Noor Hossain had joined a procession of the Awami League-led 15-party Okyo Jote as part of the anti-autocracy movement on this day in 1987.