DHAKA: The nation will observe Martyred Intellectuals Day on December 14, in remembrance of the intellectuals who were killed by the Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators during the final stages of the 1971 Liberation War. The observance will include a series of tributes and events to commemorate the fallen. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, an official release announced the schedule of programs designed to mark the day. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus will pay their respects by placing wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur at 7:05 am and 7:06 am, respectively. These events will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television and other private channels. Family members of the victims, along with veteran and wounded freedom fighters led by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam, will lay wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at 7:22 am and at the Rayer Bazar killing ground at 8:30 am. The official release further stated that people from various political and social organizations, as well as from all walks of life, will have the opportunity to pay homage from 8:30 am onwards. On the eve of the observance, both President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus will issue messages emphasizing the importance of the day. Discussion meetings are planned at district and upazila levels to reflect on the significance of these events. Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and other private channels will air special programming in honor of the day. Additionally, special prayers and munajat will be conducted in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship across the country. The Liberation War Affairs Ministry has requested that loudspeakers not be used in the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial area to maintain the solemnity of the day.
