On Martyred Intellectuals Day, President M. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to the nation’s best intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur, Dhaka.
On Thursday at 7:05 AM, President M. Sahabuddin and at 7:06 AM, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offered floral tributes at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial. After laying the floral wreaths, both the President and Prime Minister stood silently for a few moments. During this time, a mournful tune was played on the bugle. In honor of the martyrs, a guard of honor was presented by a contingent of the three armed forces.
Following the President, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as the Awami League President and party leader, paid respects to the Martyred Intellectuals along with the party’s top leaders. After the tribute, President M. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina exchanged greetings with the war-wounded freedom fighters, freedom fighters, and members of the families of martyrs.
After the departure of the President and Prime Minister, the members of the cabinet paid homage to the Martyred Intellectuals at the memorial. Subsequently, the memorial was opened to the general public to pay their respects. Following this, various political, social, and cultural organizations began expressing their tributes.
President M. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate statements in connection with the day. Newspapers published special articles and supplements. In addition, discussions and seminars are being held at all district and upazila levels.
The 16th of December marks the day when the invading Pakistani forces and their local collaborators, Al-Badr and Al-Shams, brutally killed the best minds of Bangladesh in 1971. The day is considered a dark chapter in the history of the country’s struggle for independence and liberation. Two days after the massacre of intellectuals, on December 16, under the leadership of General Niazi, the barbaric Pakistani forces surrendered, and Bangladesh emerged as an independent country.
