Shaheed Nur Hossain Day today

Shaheed Nur Hossain Day, a red-letter day to restore democracy in the country, is being observed today (Tuesday) with due solemnity.

On this day in 1987, Awami Jubo League (AJL) leader Nur Hossain, who imprinted his bare chest and back with the slogans 'Free democracy' and 'Down with autocracy', embraced martyrdom in police firing during an anti-autocracy demonstration at Zero Point in the city, now known as Shaheed Nur Hossain Square.

AJL leader Nurul Huda Babul and farmers’ leader Aminul Huda Tito of Bajitpur in Kishoreganj district were also killed in police firing during the mass movement for restoration of democracy against autocratic rule.

The martyrdom of Nur Hossain and others during the mass upsurge of late 1990s expedited the anti-autocracy movement. In the face of the movement, the then autocratic ruler had to step down on 6 December in 1990. Since then, the day is being observed every year as the Shaheed Nur Hossain Day.

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

Awami League’s programmes to mark the day include placing of wreaths at Shaheed Nur Hossain Square and offering of special prayers seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of the slain AJL leader.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the eve of the day.