The nation yesterday observed the historic Shaheed Noor Hossain Day with due honour, dignity and solemnity, commemorating the supreme sacrifice of the pro-democracy activist.

Noor Hossain was shot dead by police at Zero Point in the capital on November 10, 1987, in a procession against the autocratic regime of HM Ershad. Noor Hossain was bearing a slogan "Swairachar Nipat Jak, Gonotantra Mukti Pak" (down with autocracy, let democracy be freed) inscribed in white on his chest and back when a bullet pierced through his body.

Later, Zero Point in the capital's Gulistan was renamed as Noor Hossain Chattar (square) in his honour.

The cabinet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair commemorated him at the beginning of its regular weekly meeting while different political and socio-cultural organisations, including Awami League and its front organisations, BNP, Bangladesh Communist Party, Bangladesh Workers Party, JSD (Rab), Nagarik Oikya and Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh placed wreaths at the chattar.

After paying respect, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain said the dream of establishing democracy for which Noor Hossain dedicated his life is yet to be fulfilled.