Gaibandha observes Martyred Intellectuals Day, honoring fallen intellectuals through wreath-laying and discussion programmes. Photo : BSS

GAIBANDHA, Dec 14, 2025 (BSS) - The district today observed Martyred Intellectuals Day, paying homage to the valiant intellectuals who were brutally killed during the Liberation War of 1971.

The district administration, along with socio-cultural organizations, organized a series of programs to mark the solemn occasion.

At 10 am, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Masudur Rahman Mollah, accompanied by senior officials of the district and upazila administrations, laid floral wreaths at the Shahid Memorial in front of the Old DC Office in Gaibandha town to honor the martyred intellectuals.

Following the tribute, a discussion meeting was held at the Zila Shilpakala Academy auditorium, with ADC-General Jadob Sarker presiding over the event.

DC Mohammad Masudur Rahman addressed the gathering as the chief guest, while Police Superintendent Md. Jashim Uddin, Gaibandha Government College Principal Prof Abdur Rashid, and freedom fighter Ashraful Islam, convener of the District Muktijoddha Sangsad, spoke as special guests.

In their speeches, the speakers recalled that in December 1971, as the Pakistani occupation forces faced imminent defeat, they, along with local collaborators - Razakar, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams - abducted and brutally killed numerous intellectuals and professionals to cripple the nation intellectually.

Many victims were taken blindfolded to torture centers in Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Nakhalpara, Rajarbagh, and other parts of Dhaka before being executed at killing fields such as Rayerbazar and Mirpur. 

While intellectuals were targeted throughout the nine-month-long Liberation War, most of the December 14 victims were abducted from their homes between December 10 and 14, 1971, the speakers said.

A large number of people, including district and upazila officials, freedom fighters, political leaders, public representatives, teachers, cultural personalities, social workers, and journalists, attended the program.