.svg)
On December 14, we honor and remember the brave martyred intellectuals on Martyred Intellectuals Day. This day marks a tragic event in the history of Bangladesh, when a group of Bengali scholars, writers, journalists, and professors were brutally killed by Pakistani forces during the country's war for independence in 1971. Despite the heartache and loss, this day also serves as a reminder of their immense sacrifice for the freedom and progress of their nation. Let's take a moment to pay tribute to these courageous individuals and their contributions to society.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mass Killing of Intellectuals</div><div class='timeline-text'>On December 14, a mass killing of Bengali intellectuals was orchestrated by the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Observation of Martyred Intellectuals Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Martyred Intellectuals Day began being observed by the newly independent nation of Bangladesh to honor the sacrifices of the intellectuals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Construction of Martyred Intellectuals Memorial</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Martyred Intellectuals Memorial was constructed in Dhaka as a symbol of national respect and remembrance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition by International Court</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh began trials regarding the 1971 genocide, officially acknowledging the atrocities committed.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Conviction of War Criminals</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Crimes Tribunal convicted several individuals for their roles in the intellectually killings, providing a sense of justice, if only belatedly.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a memorial service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pay your respects to the martyred intellectuals by attending a memorial service or ceremony in their honor. This is a meaningful way to remember and reflect on their sacrifices.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read about their lives and contributions</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the lives and contributions of the martyred intellectuals. You can read books, articles, or watch documentaries to gain a better understanding of their impact on society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a panel discussion</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of people to discuss the importance of remembering and honoring the martyred intellectuals. This can be a great opportunity for open and meaningful dialogue about their legacy and the lessons we can learn from them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create art in their memory</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Express your thoughts and feelings about the martyred intellectuals through creative means. You can paint, write, or create any form of art to honor their memory and keep their legacy alive.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a memorial site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If there is a memorial site dedicated to the martyred intellectuals in your area, take some time to visit it and pay your respects. This can be a powerful and emotional experience that will deepen your understanding of their sacrifices.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates the sacrifices of martyred intellectuals</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyred Intellectuals Day is a day to honor and remember the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs and ideas. These intellectuals were targeted and killed during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, and this holiday serves as a reminder of their bravery and contribution to the country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes education and intellectualism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyred Intellectuals Day is also an opportunity to promote education and intellectualism, values that were held dear by those who lost their lives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking, knowledge, and standing up for one's beliefs - all crucial elements for a thriving society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It unites people in remembrance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyred Intellectuals Day brings people together in remembrance of the sacrifice made by these brave individuals. It serves as a unifying force for the nation, allowing people from all walks of life to come together and honor the martyrs. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and standing up against oppression.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Death Toll of Intellectuals was Significant</h3><p class='facts-content'>While exact numbers vary, it is estimated that between 200 and 1000 intellectuals were killed on Martyred Intellectuals Day, severely impacting the intellectual community in Bangladesh.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Mass Murder Was an Attempt to Cripple Future Bangladeshi Leadership</h3><p class='facts-content'>The systematic killing of intellectuals was not random, but a planned attempt by the Pakistani military to cripple the newly forming nation by removing potential future leaders, academics, and cultural personalities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Killers Mainly Belonged to Al-Badr and Al-Shams</h3><p class='facts-content'>The killing was carried out by local collaborators and Islamist militias, particularly the Al-Badr and Al-Shams paramilitary groups, who were allied with the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Wide Spectrum of Intellectuals Were Targeted</h3><p class='facts-content'>The targeted intellectuals included professors, journalists, doctors, artists, engineers, writers, and other professionals who formed the intellectual backbone of the society.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mass Graves Have Been Discovered over the Years</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the years since the events of 1971, multiple mass graves have been discovered, unearthing the chilling magnitude of these orchestrated killings and providing physical reminders of this tragic event.</p></div></div>
Martyred Intellectuals Day is celebrated on December 14th every year. In 2024 Martyred Intellectuals Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Dec 14
Thursday
2024
Dec 14
Saturday
2025
Dec 14
Sunday
2026
Dec 14
Monday
2027
Dec 14
Tuesday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
