Dhaka: The nation is set to observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day tomorrow. The day is a solemn reminder of the mass killing of numerous Bengali intellectuals by the Pakistan army and their collaborators just two days before the emergence of Dhaka as the capital of a free Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the occupation forces and their collaborators, including Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and Razakars, carried out systematic killings throughout the nine-month Liberation War. However, December 14 marked a deliberate attempt to leave the newborn country without its intellectual leaders. Comprehensive national programs have been organized to observe the day with due respect. Various political and socio-cultural organizations have also planned events to commemorate the day.
On the eve of the observance, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages honoring the martyred intellectuals. As part of the state program, they will place wreaths at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Memorial. The event will be broadcast live by Bangladesh Television and other private TV channels.
Under the leadership of the liberation war affairs adviser, family members of the martyred intellectuals, along with wounded and present freedom fighters, will place wreaths at the memorials. Additionally, political and social organizations, along with citizens, will participate in paying their respects. Discussions emphasizing the day's significance will take place at district and upazila levels, with special programs aired by Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and other channels. National dailies will publish special supplements, and special prayers will be conducted at various places of worship.
The Bangla Academy will conduct a series of programs, including wreath-laying at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial and the Rayerbazar Killing Ground. A discussion will be held in the Poet Shamsur Rahman seminar room, presided over by Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam. Esteemed speakers will include Hasanath Kayum, Professor Swadhin Sen, Dr. Navine Murshid, and Arup Rahee. Writer and researcher Tahmidal Zami will present a keynote paper titled 'The Speech and Life of the Intellectuals.'
To maintain the day's sanctity, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has requested the public to refrain from using microphones or loudspeakers in the memorial area. Martyred Intellectuals Day remains a poignant chapter in the nation's history, marking the tragic loss of those who inspired and guided the nation toward independence.
The first Martyred Intellectuals Memorial was established in Mirpur, Dhaka, to honor those who lost their lives. The massacre of intellectuals, which began on December 10, culminated on December 14 when many were taken from their homes to Rayerbazar and Mirpur and brutally killed. The total number of martyred intellectuals is estimated to be as high as 1,070, as reported in various publications and by journalist Nicholas Tomalin in 'Newsweek.' These intellectuals played a crucial role in inspiring the organizers of independence through their intellect and writings, guiding the nation in its struggle for freedom.