Ctg Mass Killing Day observed

CHITTAGONG, Jan 24: The Chittagong Mass Killing Day was observed here today paying glowing tributes to those who were martyred on this day in 1988, reports BSS.

On this day, as many as 24 people were killed and over 200 others injured when police opened fire on a mammoth public meeting of the then chief of the 15-party alliance Sheikh Hasina at Laldighi Maidan.

Different organisations observed the day through elaborate programmes which included placing of wreaths at the monument at the court building memorial meeting and photographic exhibition.

Leaders of Bangladesh Awami League, city, Chittagong district north and south chapters led by Labour and Manpower Minister MA Mannan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Eng Mosharraf Hossain placed wreaths at the monument this morning.

Acting mayor of the city corporation Jalauddin Iqbal, leaders of Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, Chittagong District Bar Association, Bangabandhu Parishad, Bangladesh Mohila Awami League, Muktijoddha Chhatra Command, National Awami Party and Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote also placed wreaths at the memorial.

Later, a memorial meeting was held on the premises of the monument with veteran Awami League leader Abul Kalam Sawdagar in the chair.

Minister for Labour and Manpower MA Mannan, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Engr. Mosharraf Hossain, Abul Kashem Master MP, Commerce and Industry Secretary of Awami League Central Committee Akhteruzzaman Chowdhury (Babu), President of Chittagong District Bar Association Advocate Abul Kalam Azad, Advocate Ibrahim Hossain Babul, AL leaders M A Salam, Muslemuddin Ahmed, Enamul Haq Danu, Kalpita Biswas, daughter of the martyred Swapan Biswas were, among others, took part in the meeting.

Labour Minister MA Mannan paid rich tributes to those who were killed and said the massacre further intensified the movement to topple the Ershad regime.

Recalling the heart-rending scene of that incident, Mr Mannan said it was a pre-planned attempt to shoot at the then Awami League Chief Sheikh Hasina.

An inquiry commission, formed by the present government, is working to take proper action in this regard, the minister added.

Civil Aviation Minister Mosharraf Hossain said that people of Chittagong had pioneered significant national movements.

In this context, the minister who was one of the victims of the brutal incident urged all to take a fresh vow to materialise the dreams and ideals of the martyrs of the day.