Dhaka:The 36th anniversary of Shaheed Nazir Uddin Jihad's martyrdom, a prominent figure in Bangladesh's anti-autocracy movement, is being observed today. Jihad is remembered for his sacrifice in the struggle for democracy and people's rights.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jihad was a leader of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj. He was killed in police firing during a rally in Dhaka on October 10, 1990. The rally, organized by the BNP-led seven-party alliance, aimed to end the autocratic regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
At the time of his death, Jihad served as the president of the Government Akbar Ali College unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. He attended the rally at Paltan with approximately 60 other students from Ullapara. The police charged the protesters with batons and opened fire around 400 pm, resulting in Jihad's death on the spot.
His death intensified the anti-autocracy movement, which had been gaining momentum through widespread protests by political parties, students, and other societal groups advocating for democratic governance and the restoration of fundamental rights. This mass uprising ultimately led to Ershad's resignation in December 1990 and the restoration of parliamentary democracy.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to Jihad, stating that the nation must honor the martyrs' aspirations by building a self-reliant, secure, and welfare-oriented state. He remarked, "Democracy's renewed journey has begun in Bangladesh stained with Jihad's blood." The Prime Minister also recalled the sacrifices made in the country's democratic struggles, noting how individuals like Jihad rose in protest against authoritarian rule, sacrificing their lives for democracy. He prayed for the eternal peace of Jihad's soul.