The nation on Saturday observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day, paying homage to its brightest minds who were abducted and murdered by the Pakistan occupation army and its local collaborators just before the ultimate victory in the Liberation War.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus paid homage to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur in the morning. They stood there in solemn silence for a while as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the illustrious men and women of the soil.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Army, Navy and Air Force offered a state salute at that time while the bugle played the last post.

The President also exchanged greetings with the injured valiant freedom fighters and other people coming to pay respect to the martyred intellectuals after paying the homage.

The advisers of the interim government, including Liberation War Affairs Adviser, high officials of the government, different political parties and socio-cultural organisations, members of the martyred families and the valiant freedom fighters, students and other professionals also placed wreaths at the memorial and Rayer Bazar killing ground to pay homage to the martyred intellectuals.

Talking to reporters at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said, “The second opportunity to build the nation, which we have received through the sacrifices of our youth, must not be wasted in any way. This is our commitment on this Martyred Intellectuals Day.”

Among the political parties, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also observed the day with different programmes. Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman gave a message on the eve of the day.

Marking the day, the national flag was kept half-mast and black flags were hoisted atop all BNP offices across the country.

After paying respects, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said “On this day, we take an oath to uphold the cause for which the people of Bangladesh fought in 1971 to build an independent, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. This was done through the declaration of the War of Liberation by martyred President Ziaur Rahman.”

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and other private TV channels broadcast special programmes on the occasion. Besides, special prayers were offered in all mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and shrines.

Between 10 and 14 December in 1971, some 200 illustrious individuals, including professors, journalists, physicians, artists, engineers, and writers, were captured from their residences blindfolded and later killed.

Those who were killed during this period included Dr Alim Chowdhury, Dr Mohammad Fazle Rabbee, journalist Shahidullah Kaiser, Sirajudddin Hossain, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan, Selina Parvin, Prof Munier Chowdhury, Prof Govinda Chandra Dev, Prof Jyotirmoy Guhathakurta, Prof Santosh Bhattacharya, Prof Anwar Pasha, Prof Mofazzal Haider Chaudhuri, and Prof Muniruzzaman.

Their lifeless bodies were later found at Rayerbazar, Mirpur, and some other killing fields in the capital.