Political groups pay tributes to Noor Hossain amid rising tensions

Different political groups on Sunday pay tribute to Noor Hossain who was shot dead during a movement against the autocratic rule of HM Ershad on November 10, 1987 | UNB Photo

On the occasion of Noor Hossain Day, several political organisations including the National Democratic Front of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Workers Federation, Left Democratic Alliance, and Socialist Students' Front, have paid tributes to the martyr.

The leaders and activists of the parties gathered at Noor Hossain Square (Zero Point) in Gulistan on Saturday evening and placed wreaths there.

Noor Hossain, a political activist, was killed by police on November 10 in 1987 during a pro-democracy movement against autocratic ruler HM Ershad.

After paying respect on Saturday, activist Dipak Sen said ‘We want a democratic state. There was no democracy under the previous government, and there is still no democracy today. We believed that the new government would focus on establishing democracy, but that has not happened.’

Mahin Shahriar, another participant, said ‘We observe this day every year with our programme, and we will continue to do so.’

In response to a question about the previous government's downfall and their role, Mahin stated, ‘The blood that was shed in the people's uprising for freedom is still on their hands. There is no space for the Awami League government in Bangladeshi politics anymore. If they attempt to return to politics, the people will certainly try to stop them. We, too, will organise programmes to resist them. If anyone tries to restore an authoritarian regime, we will build the same resistance as before.

’

Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement said it will hold a public rally at the Zero Point at 12 pm on Sunday.

Tension mounted in the area since Saturday after the Awami League in a Facebook post urged its members to gather there at 3 pm on Sunday to pay respect to Noor Hossain.

Security measures have been tightened in and around the area.