The nation is observing Shaheed Noor Hossain Day on Monday (10 November), commemorating the martyrdom of Noor Hossain, a symbol of resistance against autocracy in Bangladesh.
On this day in 1987, Noor Hossain was killed when police opened fire during the anti-Ershad movement. His ultimate sacrifice propelled the pro-democracy movement toward inevitable triumph.
During the protest, he had written on his body, “Gonotantra mukti pak, Swairachar nipat jak” (Let democracy be freed, down with autocracy).
The fearless actions of Noor Hossain and others at the time forced the powerful forces of autocracy to take notice. The dictator’s forces opened indiscriminate fire, riddling his chest with bullets.
His sacrifice not only strengthened the anti-dictatorship movement but also made the struggle of the three-party alliance unstoppable.
Different political parties and organisations are observing the day through different programmes.
