Today(Sunday), November 10, is Shaheed Noor Hossain Day, a memorable day in Bangladesh’s struggle to restore democracy. On this day in 1987, Noor Hossain joined a procession against the autocratic regime of Ershad with the slogan “Down with Autocracy" and "Let Democracy Be Freed” written on his chest and back.
When the procession reached Zero Point in the capital (now known as Shaheed Noor Hossain Square), police opened fire, and Noor Hossain was killed. In his honor, the area was renamed Shaheed Noor Hossain Square, and November 10 was declared Shaheed Noor Hossain Day.
To mark the occasion, members of Noor Hossain's family paid tribute at Zero Point around 8 a.m. this morning, followed by people from various walks of life who came to pay their respects.
Meanwhile, the Awami League called for a protest march at Zero Point to commemorate Shaheed Noor Hossain Day.
In response, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and other organizations, accusing the Awami League of being involved in genocide, announced a counter-protest, stating they would not allow the Awami League to hold any demonstration.
On November 9, the Awami League's verified Facebook page announced a protest march that would take place at 3 p.m. on November 10, calling on leaders and activists to gather at Zero Point in Gulistan. In anticipation of their protest, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and other groups began occupying Gulistan on Saturday evening.
Since this morning, students and citizens have been guarding Gulistan’s Zero Point and the Awami League office. To prevent any disruption, members of law enforcement remain on high alert around Noor Hossain Square and the Awami League’s central office in Gulistan. Police presence is noticeably higher than usual at intersections and key points throughout the capital.
bd-pratidin/Rafid
