No floral tribute by Jamalpur administration on Martyred Intellectuals Day

For the first time since Bangladesh’s independence, the Jamalpur district administration did not lay floral wreaths at any memorial on Martyred Intellectuals Day on Sunday (December 14).

Unlike previous years, the administration limited the observance to a discussion meeting at the district commissioner’s conference room, skipping the customary tribute at memorials.

The move sparked dissatisfaction among locals, who termed it disrespectful to the sacrifice of the martyred intellectuals.

A freedom fighter described the omission as painful and unacceptable, while a local teacher said failing to offer floral tributes could send a wrong message to the younger generation.

Meanwhile, BNP and several other organisations paid floral tributes at memorials. Cultural groups held prayer programmes, candlelight marches and paid homage at the 1971 martyrs’ memorial in the Dayamoyee area.

District Commissioner Mohammad Yusup Ali said the day was observed in line with instructions received from the central authorities, and no activities were taken beyond those directives.