Shaheed Dr Milon Day will be observed across the country today, commemorating the 29th martyrdom anniversary of Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon, who was joint secretary general of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA).

Milon, a teacher of Dhaka Medical College, was killed by thugs of the then authoritarian ruler HM Ershad near TSC of Dhaka University, at the height of the anti-autocracy movement on this day in 1990.

The sacrifice of Dr Milon transformed the movement into a mass uprising that prompted the fall of the regime, paving way for restoration of democracy.

On the eve of the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages recalling the sacrifice of Dr Milon.

Political parties, socio-cultural organisations and professional groups have chalked out programmes to mark the day.

The programmes include offering special prayers, discussions, and placing wreaths at the grave of Dr Milon on DMC campus and at Milon Smrity Chattar near TSC.