Nation renews call to bring killers of intellectuals to justice

The nation on Thursday observed the 'Martyred Intellectuals Day' renewing the call to bring back the fugitive killers staying abroad and build the country with the spirit of War of Liberation.
People of different walks of life paid glowing tributes to the intellectuals who were brutally killed by the Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators at the fag-end of the country's Liberation War in 1971.
They planned the brutal killing sensing a humiliating defeat, the retreating Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators - Rajakars, Al- Badrs and Al- Shams -- dragged out the frontline Bangalis intellectuals and worthy professionals from
their houses on December 14 and assassinated them with the intention of crippling the newborn nation intellectually.
Marking the day, hundreds of people from all walks of life converged at the Martyred Intellectuals' Memorial in the capital's Mirpur and the Rayer Bazar killing grounds to pay their homage to the worthy sons of the soil.
The programmes of the day included hoisting black flags and keeping the national at flag half mast, placing wreaths at the martyred intellectuals memorials and graveyards, wearing black badges, holding discussions, exhibition of paintings and photographs, screening documentary, lighting candles in memory of the martyrs and mourning marches.
President Abdul Hamid and, on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Md Jainul Abedin placed wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur in the morning.
Earlier, on his arrival at the memorial site, President Abdul Hamid was received by several cabinet members, parliament members, senior Awami League leaders, war-wounded freedom fighters and family members of the martyred intellectuals.
After placing wreath, the President talked to the war-wounded freedom fighters and family members of the martyred intellectuals there and enquired about their wellbeing.
Later, on behalf of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, party general secretary Obaidul Quader along with senior leaders paid homage to the martyrs.
Opposition Leader Raushan Ershad and Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah also placed wreaths.
BNP leaders led by Khaleda Zia flanked by party central leaders placed wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial.
People from all walks of life, central leaders of the 14-party alliance, other social-cultural-professional bodies and war wounded freedom fighters and members of the martyred families placed wreaths at the memorial in a large queue.
Jatiya Party, Workers Party led by its President Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal led by its President Hasanul Haq Inu, Gana Forum led by its convener Kamal Hossain and other political parties placed wreaths at the memorial in observance of the day.
Leaders of Dhaka City AL, Juba League, Shwechchasebak League, Krishak League, Jatiya Sramik League, Mahila Awami League, Chhatra League, Juba Mahila League, Tanti League, Mukitijoddha Sangsad, Dhaka University, Amra Muktijoddhar Santan, Shishu Academy, Bangabandhu Parishad, Bangabandhu Gabeshana Parishad, National Museum, Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, Biplobi Workers Party, National Awami Party, Chhatra Union, Dhaka Reporters Unity, universities and other educational institutions and socio-cultural-professional bodies placed wreaths paying homage to the martyred intellectuals.
Besides, Awami League paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his portrait at Dhanmondi-32 here in the morning.
Islamic Foundation organised Quran Khwani, milad and doa mahfil at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque where special prayers (munajat) and doa were offered for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs.
Jatiya Press Club also organized a discussion to mark the day.
The day was observed in other parts of the country through different programmes.