The 55th anniversary of Bir Shreshtha Lance Naik Noor Mohammad Sheikh's martyrdom during the Liberation War was observed at Narail and Jashore on Saturday with various programmes, including wreath-laying, guard of honour, discussions and prayers.

In Narail, the programme began with Quran recitation at Nur Mohammad Nagar, his birthplace. A rally later marched through local roads and ended at his memorial, where government officials, police, freedom fighters, members of his family and representatives of educational and other organisations paid tribute.

A police contingent later accorded him a state guard of honour, followed by special prayers.

A discussion was also held at the Bir Shreshtha Noor Mohammad Memorial Museum and Library, where speakers recalled his bravery during the Liberation War and urged the younger generation to learn about his sacrifice.

At the meeting, chaired by Nazmul Huda, deputy director of the Local Government Division at the Narail Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

Among those who spoke were Narail District Council Administrator and freedom fighter Mostafizur Rahman Alek, Additional District Magistrate Lincoln Biswas, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Ahsan Mahmud Rasel, Additional Superintendent of Police Nur-E-Alam Siddique, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer T.M. Rahsin Kabir, freedom fighter Tabibur Rahman, Sheikh Md Mostafa Kamal, son of Bir Sreshtho Noor Mohammad Sheikh, and Abdul Majid Sardar, head teacher of Noor Mohammad Secondary School, among others.

In Sharsaha of Jashore, 49 BGB Battalion organised wreath-laying, a guard of honour and special prayers at Noor Mohammad’s grave in Kashipur in the morning.

Members of his family, including his eldest daughter Hasina Banu, grandson Niamul Islam and granddaughter Tahera Khanam, were present at the programme.

Noor Mohammad Sheikh was born on Feb 26, 1936, in Mahishkhola village of Narail Sadar. He joined the then East Pakistan Rifles in 1959 and took part in the Liberation War in 1971.

He was killed on Sept 5, 1971, while fighting Pakistani forces in Goalhati village of Jashore’s Jhikargachha. He was later buried at Kashipur in Sharsaha.

In recognition of his supreme sacrifice and bravery during the Liberation War, he was awarded the country’s highest military honour, the title of Bir Shreshtha.