DHAKA, Dec 14, 2025 (BSS) - The Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed in different districts of the country paying glowing tributes to the intellectuals who were brutally killed by the Pakistan occupation forces and their collaborators at the fag-end of the country's Liberation War in 1971. The nation recalls the mass killing of a large number of Bangladesh's top brains by the Pakistan army and their collaborators visibly sensing their defeat just two days ahead of the emergence of Dhaka as the free capital of free Bangladesh. Different programmes have been chalked out to observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day in a befitting manner in the districts. Different political and socio-cultural organisations have also drawn up various programmes in observance of the day. In Narail, Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed with due dignity and solemnity today, paying homage to the nation's finest minds who were brutally killed during the Liberation War of 1971. Marking the occasion, wreaths were laid at the killing ground adjacent to the District Judge Court at 7.00 am. At 7.15 am, another wreath-laying ceremony was held at the mass grave located on the premises of the Water Development Board Office, where the martyred intellectuals were remembered with deep respect and reverence. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Abdul Salam led the wreath-laying ceremonies.  Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Md. Asaduzzaman, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Al Mamun Sikder, Deputy Director of the Local Government Branch of the Deputy Commissioner's Office Julia Sukaina, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Lingkon Bishwas, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Md. Ahsan Mahmud Russell, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Sarmina Sattar, Additional District Magistrate Hosne Ara Tanni, freedom fighters SA Baki and Md. Tabibur Rahman, Vice-President of Narail Press Club Sultan Mahmud, District Adjutant of Ansar and VDP Md. Nurul Absar, and other officials and dignitaries were present. Later, a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's Office, where speakers highlighted the significance of the Martyred Intellectuals Day and recalled the invaluable contributions of the intellectuals to the nation. In addition, special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship across the district, seeking peace, prosperity and continued progress of the country. In Chuadanga, Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed today with due respect and solemnity, commemorating the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of the nation's intellectuals. Marking the day, a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's Office at 10.30 am.  Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Kamal Hossain attended the programme as the chief guest while Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Nayan Kumar Rajbangshi was presided over the meeting. It was present, among others, by Police Superintendent Mohammad Monirul Islam, Bir Pratik Saidur Rahman, former principal of Chuadanga Government College Professor Siddiqur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Masudur Rahman Sarkar, Public Prosecutor of the District Judge Court Advocate Maruf Sarwar Babu, General Secretary of Chuadanga Press Club Bipul Ashraf, heroic freedom fighters Abesh Uddin and Gias Uddin, as well as July Fighter and student representative Mahfuz Hossain. Speakers at the meeting highlighted the significance of Martyred Intellectuals Day and paid deep tribute to the intellectuals who were brutally killed during the Liberation War of 1971. Following the discussion, a special prayer was offered seeking the welfare of the country and the nation, and the eternal peace of the souls of martyred intellectuals. The prayer was conducted by Qari Mohammad Kabir Hossain. In Rangamati, Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed today with due solemnity and respect. On the occasion, a discussion meeting was organised by the district administration at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room at 10.00 am with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Najma Ashrafi in the chair. Police Superintendent Muhammad Abdur Rakib, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Ruhul Amin, Deputy Director of the Local Government Department Md. Mobarak Hossain Parvez, District Civil Surgeon Dr. Nuen Khisa, District BNP President Dipan Talukder Dipu, General Secretary Advocate Mamunur Rashid Mamun, along with officials from various government departments and political leaders, attended the event. Speakers at the meeting paid rich tribute to the martyred intellectuals and highlighted their invaluable contribution to the nation, emphasizing the need to uphold their ideals and values. Marking the day, various programmes were also organised across government and private institutions in the district and its upazilas, including the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast. In Natore, Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed today with due solemnity and deep respect for the nation's martyred intellectuals, alongside a renewed pledge to uphold patriotism and national values. On the occasion, a discussion meeting was held at 10.30 am at the conference room of the DC Office. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Asma Shaheen presided over the meeting. Speakers at the discussion said the nation's brightest sons were brutally killed in a planned manner on the eve of victory during the Great Liberation War to cripple the country intellectually and demoralize a people on the threshold of freedom.  They emphasized that the sacrifices of the martyred intellectuals were not in vain, as Bangladesh continues to advance on the path of development and prosperity. They called upon all citizens to draw inspiration from the spirit of patriotism and self-realization, stressing that only through such commitment can the welfare of the country and its people be ensured. The meeting was moderated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Abul Hayat. Among others, Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdul Wahab, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md. Habibul Islam Khan, District Education Officer Md. Rostam Ali Helali, and freedom fighter Md. Farid Hossain spoke at the event. Besides, the Martyred Intellectuals Day was observed in a befitting manner in Cumilla, Barishal, Barguna, Kurigram, Meherpur, Bogura, Sirajganj, Noakhali, Kishoeganj, Satkhira, Sunamganj and Gazipur districts.

SIRAJGANJ, Dec 14, 2025 (BSS) - A rare Himalayan griffon vulture, weakened from a long flight, has been rescued from Amlapara in the Sirajganj municipal area. Mamun Biswas, chairman of the environmental organisation - ‘The Bird Safety House’, confirmed the rescue this afternoon. Locals reported that the rare vulture fell to the ground, unable to fly, in a char area of the Jamuna River. Then, youths from the area rescued the sick bird. A local resident, Pappu, took the bird home and provided initial treatment for three days before contacting Biswas. Biswas and his team subsequently rescued the vulture from Pappu's residence. "The vulture was exhausted after traveling a long distance," Biswas stated. "It's a Himalayan griffon. We are providing it with food and medicine." Biswas has contacted Molla Rezaul Karim, Adviser to the Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Federation (BBCF), and the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Rajshahi Divisional Office.  The vulture will be handed over to the Forest Department, he said.