Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day with due solemnity on December 14, 2022.
The program began with the recital of the Holy Quran, followed by one minute's silence observed to show profound respect to the martyred intellectuals who were viciously killed on the fateful night of 14 December 1971, only two days before the glorious victory we earned over the Pakistani forces.
A documentary was screened to make all who were present realize the significance of this day.
The Bangladesh High Commissioner condemned in the strongest possible terms this ruthless killing of the intellectuals and called it a paradigm of barbarism and inhumanity in the history of independence.
She felt that it dealt a terrible blow to a nation whose transition from the clutches of war to the new era of independence and development could have been different with immense benefit from the keen and bright intellect of the martyrs. Yet, the High Commissioner expressed, today Bangladesh is widely regarded as the role model of development, while acknowledging the setback the nation received from the irreparable loss of the public intellectuals on 14 December 1971, and on 25 March 1971 as well.
In the end, candles were lit by assembled guests including diplomats, Bangladesh and Bruneian community members.