Martyred Intellectuals Day today

December 14 is observed as Martyred Intellectuals Day, a day of deep mourning in the history of Bangladesh. Fifty-four years ago, at the final stage of the Liberation War, the nation lost many of its finest minds in a planned massacre carried out by the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators.

As victory was just days away in 1971, the country was struck by this devastating blow. The painful memory of losing leading intellectuals on the eve of independence continues to haunt the nation every year on this day.

This year, the day is being observed amid a different political and social context. On the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman issued separate messages. In their statements, they paid deep tribute to the martyred intellectuals and prayed for the peace of their souls.

How the Killings Took Place
At the end of the nine-month Liberation War, when Bangladesh was on the verge of victory, the Pakistani army and its local collaborators—Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams and members of the so-called Peace Committee—launched a systematic campaign to kill the country’s intellectuals. The brutal massacre on December 14, 1971 shocked not only the nation but also the world.

Just two days before the Pakistani forces surrendered, more than a hundred teachers, journalists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, artists, writers and government officials were abducted from Dhaka and other areas. Blindfolded, they were taken to unknown locations, tortured and brutally killed. Their bodies were later found at mass killing sites in Rayerbazar and Mirpur.

The discovery of the bullet-ridden and tortured bodies turned the joy of imminent independence into deep sorrow. The killings left the newly born nation intellectually wounded and exposed the cruel plan to silence voices that had inspired the struggle for freedom. The massacre was carried out under a planned blueprint, with key roles played by the then military rulers of East Pakistan.

Today’s Programmes
To mark Martyred Intellectuals Day, the national flag is being flown at half-mast across the country, and black flags are being hoisted as a symbol of mourning. Various political, social and cultural organisations are observing the day through wreath-laying, prayer sessions, discussions, cultural programmes, film screenings and photo exhibitions based on the Liberation War.

The President is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur at 7:05am, followed by the Chief Adviser at 7:06am. The programme is being broadcast live on Bangladesh Television and other channels.

Led by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, family members of the martyred intellectuals and war-wounded freedom fighters will place wreaths at the Mirpur memorial at 7:22am and at the Rayerbazar killing field at 8:30am. The memorials will be opened to the public from 8:30am.

Other Observances
The BNP is observing the day by hoisting black flags early in the morning, keeping national and party flags at half-mast, paying tribute at Mirpur and Rayerbazar, and holding a discussion programme in the capital. Other political parties and organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami, are also arranging remembrance events.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other media outlets are airing special programmes, while newspapers are publishing special features. Special prayers are also being offered at mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship for the peace of the souls of the martyred intellectuals.