Sensing an imminent defeat, the Pakistani occupation army and their local collaborators -- Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams -- abducted frontline Bengalee intellectuals and professionals on December 14 in 1971 and killed them to cripple the nation intellectually.

The killers dragged renowned academics, litterateurs, doctors, engineers, journalists and other eminent personalities out of their houses in Dhaka and massacred them at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and other killing fields in the city.

The martyred intellectuals include Prof Muneir Chowdhury, Dr Alim Chowdhury, Prof Muniruzzaman, Dr Fazle Rabbi, Sirajuddin Hossain, Shahidullah Kaiser, Prof GC Dev, JC Guha Thakurta, Prof Santosh Bhattacharya, Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury, journalists Khandaker Abu Taleb, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan (Ladu Bhai), ANM Golam Mustafa, Syed Nazmul Haq and Selina Parvin.

Thirty-four years have passed with the families of the martyred intellectuals still waiting to see punishment to the perpetrators.

They had lodged cases since 1972 seeking justice. Until March 1973, a total of 42 cases were filed against the Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams but over the years files of the cases gathered dust only.

No progress has been made to a case filed during the tenure of previous Awami League government demanding punishment of the killers.

On September 24, 1997, Farida Banu, sister of slain intellectual Giasuddin, filed a case and subsequently some police investigations were carried out. But as the old files and police records became untraceable, things did not advance much.

Dhaka City Corporation has built a public toilet close to the Rayerbazar monument, showing the authorities' utter negligence to the memory of martyrs.

Besides, repair work of the monument that was affected by last year's flood, has not been done due to "want of funds".

Political, cultural and civil society organisations will commemorate the tragedy that took place only two days before the fall of the Pakistani army on December 16 after the bloody war that left some three million Bangalees killed.

To mark the day, different socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes, including seminars, discussions and wreath-laying at Mirpur and Rayerbazar monuments in Dhaka.

President Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina delivered messages on the eve of the Martyred Intellectuals Day.

"The defeated forces of the Liberation War had wanted to take revenge for their defeat by killing the great sons of the soil," Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina said.

She called upon the people to build a united movement for holding the flag of independence high so that "the future generations can live in an open, democratic and non-communal society."

To mark the day, different socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes, including seminars, discussions and wreath laying at Mirpur Shaheed Intellectuals' graveyard, and Intellectuals' Memorial at Rayerbazar.

The president, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition will place floral wreaths at Mirpur Shaheed Intellectual graveyard Wednesday morning.

Different political parties, including BNP and Awami League, have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.

UNB adds: Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has called upon the people to build up a strong unity like in 1971 burying all hostilities and differences of opinion at this critical juncture of the country and the nation.

"The occupation forces killed the intellectuals on the eve of the nation's independence in a planned way to weaken our existence," she said on the eve of Martyred Intellectuals Day.

"Shaheed intellectuals are sources of our inspiration in taking Bangladesh to the desired destination through development and enrichment," the prime minister said.

"Following their ideals, we should be uncompromising in securing independence, sovereignty, democracy and welfare of the nation," she said.

She also expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family members of the martyred intellectuals.