Various cultural organisations observed Martyred Intellectuals Day organising special programmes on Sunday.

Bangla Academy, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi and others paid tribute to martyred intellectuals by organising diverse events.

Bangla Academy placed wreaths at the memorials of martyred intellectuals at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and organised a seminar titled ‘Buddijibir jaban O jiban: itihaser aloke, akheri facibader jamanay’ at the academy’s Kabi Shamsur Rahman seminar room.

The keynote was presented by writer-researcher Tahmidal Zami, while the Colgate University of the USA associate professor of political science Navine Murshid, cultural activist-singer Arup Rahi, and the Rastro Songskar Andolan president Hasnat Kaiyum spoke at the event chaired by the Academy director general Mohammad Azam.

Tahmid Zami said that the government restricted intellectual pursuits and unofficially made killing poets and writers easily possible.

Arup Rahi said that the colonial mind-set creates challenges to receive democracy, anti-colonialism and global capitalism, while decolonization is required from polity, society and state.

Hasnat Kaiyum said that the political history of this land is always fighting against the colony and winning, but the wins always fade into oblivion.

Mohammad Azam said that the Intellectuals took risks and expressed their thoughts systematically, and for that, in 1971 and afterwards they were targeted for killing.

He also said that modern technology and social media created a new awareness among the people, which is a new experience for the intellectuals.

Liberation War Museum organised special recital programme titled ‘Phire Dekhi Ekattor’ from Rashid Haider’s ‘Smrity: 71’ at the auditorium in the capital.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi placed floral wreaths at the memorials of martyred intellectuals at Mirpur and Rayerbazar in the morning.