RAJSHAHI, Feb 21, (V7N) - Thousands of people thronged the newly constructed Central Shaheed Minar in Rajshahi to pay homage to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement in the first hour of Ekushey February, marking Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day.

The wreath-laying ceremony began at midnight at the Shaheed Minar, built on one acre of land on the banks of Sonadighi. Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu inaugurated the monument by planting a neem sapling before paying tribute.

Rajshahi-3 MP Shafiqul Haque Milan, Divisional Commissioner Dr A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar, senior officials, and leaders of various political parties and organizations also placed wreaths.

People from all walks of life, along with social and cultural groups, gathered to honor the language martyrs.

The Rajshahi District Administration organized several programs, including a discussion and award ceremony titled Ekush: The Inspiration of National Awakening at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium. Special prayers were offered in mosques, temples, and other places of worship for the martyrs’ eternal peace.

The national flag was hoisted at half-mast at government, semi-government, autonomous, and private institutions. Roads and key areas of Rajshahi city were decorated with festoons featuring the Bengali alphabet.

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