DHAKA, Dec 14, 2025 (BSS) - The Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed across the country today with due respect, paying rich tribute to the martyred intellectuals.

The nation recalled the mass killing of a large number of Bangladesh's top brains by the Pakistan army and their collaborators visibly sensing their defeat just two days ahead of the emergence of Dhaka as the free capital of free Bangladesh.

The occupation troops and their Bengali speaking collaborators carried out a systemic killing throughout the nine months of the great Liberation War but the December 14 appeared to be a systematic massacre to expose the new born country to a state of brainlessness.
National programmes were chalked out to observe the day in a befitting manner. 

Different political and socio-cultural organisations also chalked out various programmes marking the day.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus paid rich tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing a wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur in the city around 7.22 am.
After placing the wreath, the Chief Adviser stood there in solemn silence for a while as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the illustrious sons of the soil.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces offered a state salute while the bugle played the last post.

After paying the homage, the Chief Adviser exchanged greetings with the Chief Justice, advisers of the interim government, top civil and military officials, the injured valiant freedom fighters and family members of martyred intellectuals there.

Earlier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid rich tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing a wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial around 7.04 am.

After their paying of tributes, the memorial was opened to people of all walks of life.

Subsequently, various political, social, and professional organisations paid tribute to the martyred intellectuals one by one.

Leaders and workers of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir paid tributes to martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths at the memorial. Party's senior leaders accompanied him.

After paying tributes, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke to journalists. "On December 14, Martyred Intellectuals Day, when the nation is once again dreaming of building a new democratic Bangladesh, the enemies of the country have engaged in killings and violence."

Expressing deep concern over several recent incidents, he said, "Such conspiratorial and subversive activities are attempts to obstruct the country's democratic progress."

He said on this day, on behalf of the BNP, as well as on behalf of the ailing party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, profound respect was paid to the martyred intellectuals. 

At the same time, a pledge was taken to protect independence, sovereignty, and democracy, and tribute was paid to all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for democracy and the country, he said.

BNP's different units and affiliated and front organisations also paid tributes.

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its convener Nahid Islam, also paid homage to the martyred intellectuals.
Nahid Islam said, "On this day in 1971, pro-Liberation War writers, literary figures, journalists, and other intellectuals were methodically killed so that Bangladesh could not stand on its own feet."

He said even today, planned targeted killings are taking place to foil elections and democratic uprisings. 

Nahid demanded those involved in such crimes must be identified and brought to justice.

He also called for building a new Bangladesh on the basis of national unity, embracing the aspirations of 1971, 1947, and 2024.

Among the political parties, Gano Forum, Nagorik Oikya, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bhasani Janashakti Party, Biplabi Workers Party, BASAD (Marxist), Jatiya Janata Party, Biplabi Communist League, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and Gonosanghati Andolon paid tribute to the martyred intellectuals.

Various social and cultural organisations and professional bodies also paid tributes.

Meanwhile, leaders and activists of various political parties, socio cultural organisations, students and people from all walks of life paid rich tributes to the martyred intellectuals at the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in the capital.

From the early hours of the day, people began placing   wreaths at the memorial under the banners of different parties and organisations to honour the memories of the nation's brightest sons who were killed in 1971.

As the morning advanced, a large number of visitors gathered at the site. During visits in the morning, the presence of school and college students and general people was more noticeable.

Freedom fighters, BNP leaders and activists from different units, Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) leaders, students from Dhaka University halls, Dhaka College, Dhaka Commerce College, 

Residential Model College and several other educational institutions, along with political and voluntary organisations, paid homage at the memorial since this  morning.

Former Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain also paid tribute to the martyred intellectuals at the Rayerbazar memorial in the morning.

Also, the Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed in different districts of the country paying glowing tributes to the martyred intellectuals.

The people of Rangpur observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day-2025 with due solemnity and respect, paying homage to the martyred intellectuals, the nation's finest sons.

Marking the day, the administration and various social organisations paid homage to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths at the Liberation War Memorial adjacent to Rangpur Town Hall Baddhyabhumi at around 9:30 am.

Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam paid tribute to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the memorial, accompanied by senior officials of the divisional officials.

They were followed by Rangpur City Corporation Administrator, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Bangladesh Police,  Rangpur Range, Rangpur Metropolitan Police, district administration, district police administration and various social organisations.

In Rajshahi, the people from all walks of life, including various institutions, political, socio-cultural and volunteer organisations, alongside educational institutions including Rajshahi University (RU), observed the day.

Marking the day, a series of programmes, including placing of  wreaths at Shaheed Minar, photo exhibitions, public gatherings, discussion meetings and candle lighting at mass graves, were held across the city throughout the day.

Rajshahi City Corporation observed the day through various programmes, including placing of  wreaths at the memorial plaque in front of the Collectorate Building, paying homage to the martyred intellectuals.

The district administration organised a discussion at its conference hall to mark the day, with Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter in the chair.  Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid addressed the meeting as the chief guest at this meeting.

Meanwhile, Rajshahi University observed the day through elaborate programme, including placing of wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, discussions, milad mahfil and morning procession.

In Narail, Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed with due dignity and solemnity. Marking the occasion, wreaths were placed at the killing ground adjacent to the District Judge Court at 7.00 am. At 7.15 am, another wreath-laying ceremony was held at the mass grave located on the premises of the Water Development Board Office, where the martyred intellectuals were remembered with deep respect and reverence.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Abdul Salam led the wreath-laying ceremonies. 

Later, a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's Office, where speakers highlighted the significance of the Martyred Intellectuals Day and recalled the invaluable contributions of the nation’s intellectuals .

In addition, special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship across the district, seeking peace, prosperity and continued progress of the country.
In Chuadanga, the Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed with due respect and solemnity, commemorating the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of the nation's intellectuals.

Marking the day, a discussion was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's Office at 10.30 am. 

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Kamal Hossain attended the programme as the chief guest while Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Nayan Kumar Rajbangshi was  in the chair.

In Rangamati, marking the day, a discussion meeting was organised by the district administration at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room at 10.00 am with Deputy Commissioner Najma Ashrafi in the chair.

Police Superintendent Muhammad Abdur Rakib, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Ruhul Amin, Deputy Director of the Local Government Department Md. Mobarak Hossain Parvez, District Civil Surgeon Dr. Nuen Khisa, District BNP President Dipan Talukder Dipu, General Secretary Advocate Mamunur Rashid Mamun, along with officials from various government departments and political leaders, attended the event.

Marking the day, various programmes were also organised across government and private institutions in the district and its upazilas, including the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast.

In Natore, the Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed with due solemnity and deep respect for the nation's martyred intellectuals.
On the occasion, a discussion meeting was held at 10.30 am at the conference room of the DC Office. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Asma Shaheen presided over the meeting.

Besides, the day was observed in a befitting manner in Cumilla, Barishal, Barguna, Kurigram, Meherpur, Bogura, Sirajganj, Noakhali, Kishoreganj, Satkhira, Sunamganj and Gazipur districts.