Dhaka, Dec. 14 -- The usual crowd of people holding flowers and banners in memory of martyred intellectuals seemed somewhat diminished at the Rayerbazar Massacre Memorial this year.

Some of those who did come to the historic location on Sunday say they see "some differences" in the way Martyred Intellectuals Day is being observed.

A few believe that some sides are attempting to pit the Liberation War of 1971 against 2024's July Uprising. But whoever comes to power, there is no possibility of erasing the importance of 1971.

However, nearly everyone who came to Rayerbazar said they regretted that in the 54 years since the sacrifice of the martyrs, Bangladesh has yet to realise the goals of independence they fought for.

In the face of ce...