Different social and political organisations yesterday held various programmes, marking Shaheed Noor Hossain Day.

They commemorated the supreme sacrifice of pro-democratic activist who laid down his life during an anti-Ershad movement in the late 80s to restore democracy.

Leaders and activists of political parties, including Awami League and BNP and their associate bodies, have paid tributes to the martyr by placing wreaths at Noor Hossain Square in the capital's Gulistan.

Shaheed Noor Hossain Sangsad placed floral wreaths at the square and held prayers at his grave in Jurain. The organisation later held a discussion at Jatiya Press Club.

Communist Party of Bangladesh also observed the day as Shaheed Noor Hossain-Tito Day and also held a discussion in its office.

Meanwhile, HM Ershad's Jatiya Party observed the day as "Democracy Day" and organised a discussion in its chairman's Banani office. Leaders of the party claimed to have "restored democracy" in the country and said people wanted to see Ershad in power again.

Painting the historic slogan 'Swairachar Nipat Jak, Ganatantra Mukti Pak" (down with autocracy, let democracy be freed) on his back and chest, Noor joined the movement of then opposition parties on November 10,1987.