The nation observed Martyred Intellectuals Day yesterday, with programmes held across the country, paying tribute to the eminent citizens who were brutally killed during the 1971 Liberation War.

On December 14, Pakistan army and its local collaborators abducted and killed leading academics, journalists, writers, doctors and professionals in an apparent bid to cripple the new nation's intellectual foundation, just days before Bangladesh achieved independence.

Although intellectuals were targeted throughout the nine-month war, the December 14 killings are widely regarded as a deliberate and systematic massacre, carried out when the occupying forces sensed their imminent defeat.

The government and various political, social and cultural organisations marked the day with programmes across the country.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus paid tribute by placing a wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur around 7:20am. He later observed a minute of silence in their honour.

A contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces offered a state salute, while the bugle sounded.

Yunus then exchanged greetings with the chief justice, advisers of the interim government, senior civil and military officials, injured freedom fighters and families of the martyred intellectuals.

Earlier around 7:00am, President Mohammed Shahabuddin placed a wreath at the memorial to pay his respects.

Following the state observances, the memorial was opened to the public. Leaders of various political parties, professional bodies and socio-cultural organisations then paid tribute in turn.

BNP leaders, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths at the memorial.

Speaking to reporters, Fakhrul said that when the nation is striving to build a democratic Bangladesh, hostile forces are once again engaging in violence and killings, describing these as attempts to obstruct the country's democratic journey.

BNP's affiliated and associate organisations also marked the day with separate programmes.

National Citizen Party leaders, led by its Convener Nahid Islam, also paid tribute. Nahid said the systematic killing of pro-Liberation War intellectuals on December 14, 1971, was aimed at preventing Bangladesh from standing on its own feet.

He said targeted violence continues even today to undermine elections and democratic movements, and demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice.

Nahid also called for building a new Bangladesh based on national unity and the aspirations of 1947, 1971 and 2024.

Among others, leaders of Gano Forum, Nagorik Oikya, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bhasani Janashakti Party, Biplabi Workers Party, BASAD (Marxist), Amar Bangladesh Party and Ganosamhati Andolon paid tribute.

Meanwhile, people from all walks of life paid homage at the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in the capital from early morning.

As the day progressed, a large number of visitors gathered at the memorial, with students and members of the general public particularly visible during the morning hours.

Freedom fighters, Dhaka University authorities, members of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union, students from various hall unions, Dhaka College, Dhaka Commerce College, Residential Model College and other educational institutions, along with political and voluntary organisations, paid tribute throughout the morning.

Former youth and sports adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain also paid homage at the Rayerbazar memorial.

The BSS reported that district administrations organised programmes across the country to observe the day in a befitting manner.

In Narail, people laid wreaths at the killing ground adjacent to the District Judge Court at 7:00am.

Another wreath-laying ceremony was held at 7:15pm at the mass grave located on the premises of the district's Water Development Board office.

Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship across the district, seeking peace, prosperity and continued progress of the country.

In Chuadanga, a discussion was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's Office, followed by special prayers seeking the welfare of the country and the eternal peace of the souls of the martyred intellectuals.

Similar programmes were organised by district administrations in Rangamati, Natore, Cumilla, Barishal, Barguna, Kurigram, Meherpur, Bogura, Sirajganj, Noakhali, Kishoreganj, Satkhira, Sunamganj and Gazipur, among others.

Students' unions of Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University and several colleges also paid tribute.

DU ADMIN ERASES WAR CRIMINAL CARICATURES

Students of Jagannath Hall at Dhaka University had painted caricatures of war criminals on roads, which the university administration later removed.

The programme, titled "Tuli'r Achore Droho" (Defiance Through Brushstrokes), was organised by the Jagannath Hall Union on Saturday night to commemorate the day.

As part of the event, students drew caricatures of Matiur Rahman Nizami, Ghulam Azam and Abdul Quader Mollah on pavements in front of building entrances.

The drawings were removed yesterday morning following instructions from the university administration.

Asked, Jagannath Hall Provost Prof Debashis Pal said the hall union did not take permission to paint images of "Razakars"; they had only sought permission for a photo exhibition.

"Maybe following complaints from other students, the university authorities decided to order the paintings to be erased."