Today is Noor Hossain Day

Today is Shaheed Noor Hossain Day, which honors the martyrdom of a young activist for democracy who died in the late 1980s during the anti-Ershad movement.

Awami Jubo League leader Noor Hossain was shot and killed by police on November 10, 1987, while staging demonstrations against Gen HM Ershad's then-autocratic government at the capital's zero point close to Gulistan.

With the words "Swairachar Nipat Jak, Gonotantra Mukti Pak" (down with autocracy, let democracy be freed) written in white on his chest and back, the 26-year-old took to the streets. His passing provoked a general revolt that ultimately led to the overthrow of the Ershad government.

Numerous sociopolitical, cultural, and professional organizations have created elaborate schedules to honor the day.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina both released statements on the morning of the event.