Nation observes 36th martyrdom anniversary of anti-autocracy activist Jihad
The 36th anniversary of the martyrdom of Shaheed Nazir Uddin Jihad, a key figure in Bangladesh's anti-autocracy movement is being observed today, recalling his sacrifice in the struggle for democracy and people's rights.
Jihad, a leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj, was killed in police firing at a rally in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, organised by the BNP-led seven-party alliance to demand an end to the then autocratic regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
Jihad, then president of the Government Akbar Ali College unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, joined the rally at Paltan with around 60 other students from Ullapara. At around 4:00pm, police charged the demonstrators with batons and opened fire, killing him on the spot.
His death further intensified the anti-autocracy movement, which had gained momentum through protests by political parties, students and other sections of society demanding democratic governance and the restoration of fundamental rights.
The mass uprising eventually led to Ershad's resignation in December 1990, paving the way for the restoration of parliamentary democracy.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to Jihad, saying the nation must fulfil the aspirations of the martyrs by building a self-reliant, secure and welfare-oriented state.
"Democracy's renewed journey has begun in Bangladesh stained with Jihad's blood," he said in a message marking the anniversary.
Recalling the sacrifices made in the country's democratic struggles, the Prime Minister said people like Jihad had risen in protest whenever authoritarian rule deprived citizens of their rights, sacrificing their lives for democracy. He prayed for the eternal peace of Jihad's soul.
