Dhaka, Dec 13 (BDNEWS) - The nation will observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day Wednesday to pay glowing tributes to the illustrious sons of the soil who made the supreme sacrifice at the fag end of the Liberation War in 1971.
Sensing an imminent defeat, the Pakistani occupation army and their local collaborators - Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams - abducted frontline Bangalee intellectuals and professionals on December 14 and killed them to cripple the nation intellectually.
The killers took renowned academics, litterateurs, doctors, engineers, journalists and other eminent personalities out of their houses in Dhaka and massacred them at Rayerbazar and other killing fields in the city.
President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and leader of the opposition Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the occasion.
Although a case was filed during the tenure of previous Awami League government demanding punishment of the killers, no progress was reported.
To mark the day, different socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes, including seminars, discussions and wreath laying at Mirpur Shaheed Intellectuals' graveyard, and Intellectuals' Memorial at Rayerbazar.
The president, the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition will place floral wreaths at Mirpur Shaheed Intellectual graveyard Wednesday morning.
Different political parties, including BNP and Awami League, have chalked out elaborate programmes marking the day.
The programmes include hoisting black flags, laying wreaths at the intellectuals' graveyard and organising discussions.
Leader of the opposition Sheikh Hasina will meet the families of Shaheed Intellectuals at Sudhasadan at 3:30 pm.
BDNEWS/mr/ja/ 1802 hrs
