On this day in 1983, many were killed in firing against students ordered by Hussain Mohammed Ershad’s military regime.
The students were protesting against the education policy , popularly known at that time as “Majid Khan Education Policy.”
Thousands representing different organisations placed wreath at ‘Education and Democracy Memorial’ in front of the Shikhha Bhaban on Thursday morning to pay respect to the martyrs who fell on this day in 1983.
Programmes to observe the day began at ‘Oporajeyo Bangla’ premises at 11:00am with several student organisations, teachers, intellectuals and people from broad spectrum of the society joining in.
“The day is of special importance to Bangladesh’s history… On this day many students gave life protesting against the communal and anti-democratic education policy”, said Shoirachar Birodhi Dibosh Ujjapon Parishad Convenor Rafiqullah Khan.
A host of student political bodies under banner of ‘Shamrajjobaad Birodhi Chhatra Oikka’ held its programme in adjacent ‘Bottola’ – the place where the anti-autocracy procession first began in 1983.
The Shoirahcar Birodhi Chhatranetribrindo(Anti-Autocracy Student Front) also observed the occasion placing wreaths at ‘Education and Democracy Memorial’ . They were expected to join the protests at Shahbagh participate Thursday’s protest programs at Shahbagh.
February 14, 1983 was the beginning of the anti-autocracy movement against the military regime of President HM Ershad.
Students brought out procession from ‘Bottola’ on Thursday , marching through the Dhaka University campus in 1983 on this day.
At least 10 people, mostly students, were killed when police opened fire on the procession . Among the matyrs were Joynal, Zafar, Kanchan, Dipali Saha, Mozammel and Ayub.
“Many in this generation do not know about that history. But we cannot forget them… Youths must know the true history,” said Rafiqullah Khan.
But over the generations, the spirit of Bangladesh has not changed. Shahbagh is a living proof of that.
