Different political parties, student organisations and cultural groups marked November 10. by holding separate programmes amid calls to institutionalise democracy gained by the blood of the martyrs.
The programmes Included discussion meetings, processions. and laying of wreaths at the ’Shaheed Noor Hossain Square' named after Noor Hossain, one of the victims in the November 10, 1987 antiautocracy demonstration in the city.
Speakers addressing the programmes highlighted the significance of the day and the sacrifices by the martyrs which geared up the movement against nearly nine years of autocratic rule of deposed President Ershad.
BNP, Awaml League and Five-Party Alliance observed the day through separate pro-grammes.
In observance of the day, the city unit of Jamaat-e-Islaml organised a discussion meeting to pay tributes,to the martyrs of the anti-autocracy movement at its office at Purana Pal tan.
The meeting was addressed SJamaat Acting Amir Abbas
Khan and others.
The speakers recalled the sacrifices of Noor Hossain and others against the autocrat Ershad and called upon all concerned to materialise the dreams of the martyrs.
Sammilita Sanskritic Jote organised a rally and cultural function in front of the National Press Club in observance of November 10 demanding implementation of the joint declaration of the three alliance without any delay.
Presided over by Jote President Fayez Ahmed the rally was addressed Syed Istlaq Ahmed, Shsmsul Huq Chowdhury. Dr M A Majed and
Jote Secretary Golam Kuddus.
Syed Istlaq Ahmed said that the sacrifice on Noor Hossain and other martyrs was not remembered later by the political parties including the ruling one.
The autocrat had stepped down and a government elected through a free election. but the ideals of the martyrs were not yet reflected in any step on the present government, he said.
He demanded ensuring autonomy to Radio and TV. freedom of Judiciary and repeal of black laws including the Special Powers Act. 1974.
Shamsul Huq demanded Immediate measures to curb terrorism in the educational Institutions and Improvement tn the overall law and order situation.
He suggested that the government step down If it falls to run the country properly.
The people will not wait to establish their rights, they will start movement," he added.
Dr Majed said that the democracy which Noor Hossain dreamt of was not yet established.
The rally was rounded off with a cultural function.
Bangladesh Abbrity Samanny Parishad organised a recitation session in front of the National Press Chib in observance of the day. Bhash war Banarjee presided over the session.
The National Democratic Party (NDPJ and its front organisations Jointly held a discussion meeting at the party central office in the city in observance of Shaheed Noor Hossain Day'.
Chaired by the NDP Secretary General Salahuddln Kader Choudhury MP. the meeting was also addressed by other leaders of the party Mesbahuddin Ahmed Sabu, Abdus Salam Khokon, Syed Delwar Hossain, and Abdul Mannan Khan of the National Labour Federation. Advocate Ruhul Amin Shelly of Bangladesh Juba Shakti and SM Mamunur Rashid pf Bangladesh Chhatra Shakti.
While delivering his presidential speech Salahuddin Kader Choudhury MP said that the democratic movement against autocracy was geared up and reached Its logical end through sacrifices by the struggling people like Noor Hossain in the past decades. Their sacrifice could be made meaningful only when democratic values were established in every sphere of social life, he commented. Other speak ers said Noor by laying down hi* life had laid the foundation of democracy.
The National Republican Party President Dr Zahir Khan while addressing a discussion meeting on the occasion said that the goals which Noor Hossain, Fattah. Babul and other embraced martyrdom were yet to be achieved.
The people were frustrated by various crisis in the hour of transition to democracy, he added.
Held at the party central office. the meeting was also addressed by the Republican Party Secretary General Alauddin and other leaders including Nazmul Haq, SM Omar, S Ahmed, Shahadat All Sumlm and Rokeya Parveen.
Other parties that also observed the day through holding of discussion meetings and laying of wreaths at the Shaheed Noor Hossain Square included Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Ganatantrik Biplobl Jote, Bangladesh Jana Parishad, National Awami Party (Bhasani), and Jatiya Janata Party,