Today is Shaheed Noor Hossain Day, a red-letter day in restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. 

The day is being observed commemorating the martyrdom of a young pro-democracy activist during the anti-Ershad movement in the late 80s.

On this day in 1987, Noor Hossain, who imprinted his bare chest and back with the slogan "Swairachar nipat jak, gonotantra mukti pak" (down with autocracy, let democracy be freed), was gunned down when police opened fire on an anti-autocracy demonstration in Dhaka's Zero Point.

This place was renamed "Noor Hossain Chattar (square)".

The martyrdom of Noor Hossain and others during the mass upsurge of late 1990s expedited the anti-autocracy movement.

In the face of the movement, autocratic ruler HM Ershad had to step down on December 6, 1990.

Different socio-political, cultural and professional organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.

On the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages.

BDST: 1336 HRS, NOV 10, 2022
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