(BSS) - Shaheed Noor Hossain Day is being observed today.

On this day in 1987, Noor Hossain was killed by police gunfire while participating in an anti-autocracy movement. His sacrifice gave fresh momentum to the movement for democracy against the then autocratic regime.

On November 10, 1987, political parties had organised a sit-in strike in front of the Secretariat. With support from several student organisations, this sit-in evolved into a siege-like protest.

Defying all obstacles imposed by the autocratic regime, processions of students and commoners began arriving around the Secretariat from the morning of the November 10.

A courageous procession, which included Noor Hossain, moved past the police post at the entrance to Topkhana Road. The brave young man, with his torso bare, had written on his skin: "Down with autocracy, let democracy be freed (Swairachar Nipat Jak, Ganatantra Mukti Pak)".

As the gathering began, the police launched a brutal baton charge and fired tear gas. The Paltan area turned into a battlefield. Amid this, Noor Hossain was killed by police gunfire at Zero Point in Gulistan and many others were also injured.

Their sacrifice infused new energy into the anti-autocracy movement. The site at Zero Point in Gulistan later came to be known as Shaheed Noor Hossain Square.

Following Noor Hossain`s sacrifice, various political parties, student organisations, professional groups and the general people became increasingly active in the anti-autocracy movement.

Through a prolonged struggle, political unity, and a mass uprising of students and the public, the then-President Hussain Muhammad Ershad was forced to step down on December 6, 1990.

This marked the end of autocratic rule in the country and paved the way for the restoration of democracy.

Every year on November 10, various political parties and socio-cultural organisations observe the day to pay tribute to the memory of Shaheed Noor Hossain.

The slogans inscribed on his chest and back -- "Down with autocracy, let democracy be freed" -- have become an enduring symbol of protest, the pursuit of rights, and the aspiration for democracy in the political history of Bangladesh.

Shaheed Noor Hossain stands as a shining example of the sacrifices made by ordinary people in the struggle to establish democracy.

His sacrifice serves as a reminder to the nation`s new generation of the history of the struggle for democratic rights, freedom of expression, and the right to vote.