Dhaka, Nov 9 (bdnews24.com) – Shaheed Noor Hossain Day will be observed across the country on Thursday in a befitting manner, with numerous programmes planned by various political and socio-cultural organisations.

Ruling Awami League, Jubo League, opposition BNP, Shaheed Noor Hossain Sangsad, Jubo Gono Forum, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal and Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote have all chalked out programmes to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Noor Hossain, a pro-democracy movement activist.

He was killed in police firing near Zero Point in the city on Nov 10, 1987 while participating in a procession taken out against the autocratic regime of Hussein Muhammad Ershad.

He had a slogan 'Swairachar Nipat Jak, Gonotantra Mukti Pak' (down with autocracy, let democracy be freed) inscribed in white paint on his chest and back when a bullet pierced through his body.

His death strengthened the movement, expedited the fall of the autocratic ruler and helped restore democracy in the country.

Awami League and its front organisations will place wreaths at Noor Hossain Square in the city on Thursday morning.

President Zillur Rahman, prime minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.

The president in his message said, "Shaheed Noor Hossain is a glorious name in the struggle for restoration of democracy. Noor's sacrifice brought pace to the movement against the then autocratic ruler and established democracy in the country in 1990.

"I firmly believe that democracy of the country won't be face obstacles so long as valiant people like Noor Hossain are alive."

Terming the day 'a red letter day', prime minister Shiekh Hasina in her message said, "The sacrifice of a number of martyred including Noor Hossain, 'Babul' and 'Fattah' helped restore the people's right to vote and democracy by speeding up anti-autocratic movement against the then autocratic ruler."

In her message, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia said, "The autocratic ruler descended following the sacrifice of Noor Hussain, and democracy was restored. But the dream of Noor Hussain is yet to come true."

She urged all to realise the dream of the heroic son of the soil, who embraced martyrdom for restoration of democracy.

bdnews24.com/sum/skb/ssr/2049h