Martyred Intellectuals Day is observed on 14 December every year in remembrance of the intellectuals who gave their lives during the Liberation War of 1971 in the noble cause of justice and freedom. The history of December 14, 1971, represents a significant turning point in the Liberation War of East Pakistan’s fight for independence, which finally resulted in the establishment of the independent state of Bangladesh. Those with a high level of education and knowledge are called intellectuals. They usually work on fields that demand critical thinking and creativity, like writing, research, and teaching.
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When it comes to influencing social change and public opinion, intellectuals frequently take the lead. In essence, they are a nation’s treasures. This systematic massacre was intended to cripple the newly independent nation of Bangladesh intellectually and prevent it from developing as a strong nation. It deeply affected the Bangladeshi people and caused national grief and sorrow.
Historical Background:
The year 1971 witnessed the culmination of longstanding political, economic, and cultural disparities between East and West Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan, led by the Awami League under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, sought autonomy and recognition of their linguistic and cultural rights. However, the central government in West Pakistan was unwilling to concede, leading to political unrest and eventually, a full-fledged war for independence.
As the conflict intensified, the Pakistani military junta, according to the plan of Pakistani General Rao Forman Ali, initiated a brutal crackdown, targeting not only political activists but also intellectuals who were seen as potential catalysts for the independence movement. The night of December 14, 1971, the eve of the Bangladesh’s ultimate victory in the independence war, marked a dark chapter when professors, writers, poets, journalists, and other influential figures were systematically abducted, tortured, and executed by the Pakistani military, and its allies : Razakar, Al Badr, and Al Shams.
Between a thousand and fifteen hundred intellectuals perished in this massacre. The list of those martyred on Intellectual Martyrs’ Day includes some of the brightest minds of East Pakistan. Renowned academics like Prof Gobinda Chandra Dev (Professor of philosophy), Shahidullah Kaiser (journalist, novelist), Munier Chowdhury (professor of Bengali literature), Jyotirmoy Guhathakurta (Professor of English literature), Altaf Mahmud (lyricist and musician), Selina Parvin (journalist), Dr. Fazlul Haque and many other academics.
On December 31, 1972, the government of Bangladesh declared December 14 as Martyred Intellectuals Day in remembrance of the martyred intellectuals. On this day, the people of Bangladesh pay respect to the martyred intellectuals and remember their sacrifices.
Contribution of Intellectuals in Liberation War:
The martyrs of the intellectuals included doctors, engineers, teachers, journalists, writers, artists, and other professionals. They were the cream of the crop of Bangladeshi society, and their deaths were a major blow to the Bengali cause. They made a significant contribution to the Liberation War. Doctors and nurses provided medical care to the wounded and sick, both on the battlefield and in the refugee camps. Engineers built bridges and roads to help the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters) move around the country. Teachers educated the people of Bangladesh about the war and the importance of freedom. Journalists reported on the war and the atrocities committed by the Pakistani Army. Writers wrote about the war and the suffering of the Bengali people. Artists created art that inspired the people of Bangladesh and showed the world the horrors of the war.
They were the inspiration, guide, and organizers of the liberation war. It was they who instilled the spirit of freedom in the people from the very beginning. They played an important role in shaping public opinion in favor of the liberation war. They were one of the organizers of the liberation war. They played an important role in training freedom fighters, supplying weapons, and collecting money. They also played an important role in shaping foreign public opinion in favor of the liberation war.
Why the Genocide?
When the Pakistani army realized that they were going to lose the Bangladesh War of Independence, they adopted various strategies to counter this defeat. One of these strategies was to kill the intellectuals in Bangladesh. The main purpose of this assassination was to undermine Bangladesh’s independence. From the 1952 language movement to the 1971 liberation war, intellectuals’ wisdom played a significant role in numerous ways. In addition, the Pakistani army believed that the liberation movement was headed by intellectuals. They believed that if the intellectuals were killed, the freedom movement in Bangladesh would be weakened and the leadership of the intellectuals would be stopped forever. Even if they somehow lose, talentless Bangladesh will not be able to stand with its head held high in the future.
Trials for War Crimes:
The trial of the perpetrators of the 1971 Bangladeshi intellectuals’ massacre is a complex and challenging issue. Although many cases have been filed to trial this murder since 1971, very few of them have been prosecuted thus far. In 1997, a special tribunal was established to investigate the killings. In 2010, a special tribunal was set up to try the war criminals. The tribunal has convicted several people, including former Pakistani army officers and members of the Razakars, a paramilitary force that collaborated with the Pakistani military. However, the tribunal was weakened in 2013 by external factors. In 2015, a new tribunal was established to resume the trial. The tribunal has since convicted several people of involvement in the killings, including former Pakistani army officers and members of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. The trials are still ongoing. As of 2023, 155 people have been accused in the case. Of these, 11 have been sentenced to death, 43 to life imprisonment, and 101 to various terms of imprisonment. However, many people believe that the trial has not been thorough enough. They argue that more people need to be held accountable for the killings, including those who provided logistical support to the perpetrators.
The trial of the perpetrators of the 1971 Bangladeshi intellectuals’ massacre is an important step in bringing justice to the victims and their families. However, more work needs to be done to ensure that all those responsible for this crime are brought to justice. Some steps can be taken to prosecute martyr intellectual murders, like arresting absconding accused, seeking international cooperation, and making the judicial process faster and more efficient. If the trial for this murder is completed, it will consolidate the spirit and values of the liberation war.
The Martyrs’ Contribution is Unforgettable:
The genocide of intellectuals was a horrific event that should never be forgotten. It is a reminder of the dangers of intolerance and discrimination, and it is a call to action for all people to stand up for justice and equality. The contribution of the martyred intellectuals is immeasurable. Their sacrifice will always be remembered, and they contributed to building a better future for Bangladesh. They serve as a source of strength for the Bangladeshi people. The genocide of intellectuals was a deliberate attempt to destroy the future of the country, but it failed. The Bangladeshi people have overcome this tragedy and built a thriving nation. Their sacrifice symbolized the brutality of the oppressors and the unwavering determination of the Bengali people for self-determination. The legacy of these martyrs continues to inspire generations, fostering a deep sense of patriotism and a commitment to upholding the values for which they sacrificed their lives.
The loss of these intellectuals was not only a tragedy for their families but also a severe blow to the intellectual and cultural heritage of East Pakistan. However, their sacrifice did not go in vain. The brutality of December 14 galvanized the Bengali population, fuelling their resolve to break free from the oppressive regime. The massacre of intellectuals became a rallying cry for the freedom fighters, inspiring them to continue their struggle until victory was achieved. Bangladesh is now a thriving democracy with a strong economy. Intellectual Martyrs’ Day stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
