Shaheed Comrade Tajul Day was observed yesterday, marking the 25th death anniversary of Tajul Islam, one of the pioneers of the workers' movement in the country.

To mark the day, different political, workers' and socio-cultural organisations observed the day amid elaborate programmes, including placing wreaths at the temporary altar erected to the memory of Tajul at Muktangan in the city and holding memorial meetings.

Tajul, former leader of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, joined the Adamjee Jute Mills as a general employee after completing his graduation from the Economics department at Dhaka University.

He was killed on March 1, 1984 when police opened fire on a procession brought out by Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (Skop) to realise the five-point demand of the then 11 workers' organisation.

Family members of Tajul also placed wreaths at the memorial.

The organisations paid homage to Tajul by placing wreaths at his memorial and held discussions include Communist Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra, Workers' Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Gono Front, Jatiya Sramik Federation, Bangladesh Garment Sramik Trade Union Kendra, Bangladesh Krishak Samity, Somen-Tajul Pathagar, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Gosthi and 11 party combine and Shaptahik Ekota.

Bangladesh Chhatra Union also brought out a mourning procession and held a protest rally on the Dhaka University campus.

Commemorating the day, CPB General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim said the country needs more heroes like Tajul to struggle for changing the fate of the labour class.

He called on all left-leaning, democratic and progressive parties to be united for the emancipation of labourers.