Dhaka:Shaheed Noor Hossain Day is being observed today, marking the anniversary of Noor Hossain's death during an anti-autocracy movement in 1987. His sacrifice played a significant role in energizing the push for democracy against the then-autocratic regime.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, on November 10, 1987, political parties organized a sit-in strike in front of the Secretariat, which, with the support of student organizations, evolved into a protest resembling a siege. Processions of students and common citizens defied the regime's obstacles, gathering around the Secretariat.
Among these processions was Noor Hossain, who moved past the police post at Topkhana Road with slogans against autocracy written on his bare chest and back. As the protest escalated, police responded with force, using batons and tear gas. The confrontation at Paltan turned into a battlefield, culminating in Noor Hossain's death by police gunfire at Zero Point in Gulistan, an event that injured many others and later transformed the site into Shaheed Noor Hossain Square.
Following his death, a surge of political activism ensued. Political parties, student organizations, and the general populace intensified their efforts against autocracy. This collective movement eventually led to the resignation of then-President Hussain Muhammad Ershad on December 6, 1990, ending autocratic rule and restoring democracy.
Every November 10, political parties and socio-cultural organizations commemorate the day, honoring Noor Hossain's memory. His slogans have become lasting symbols of protest and the quest for democracy in Bangladesh's political history. Noor Hossain's legacy is a testament to the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens in the fight for democratic rights, freedom of expression, and voting rights, serving as a historical reminder for the nation's new generation.