Dhaka, Feb 21 (V7N) – Today marks the Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day, commemorating the supreme sacrifices made by students on February 21, 1952, in the struggle to establish Bangla as a state language.

The day is being observed with deep respect across Bangladesh and in Bengali-speaking communities worldwide.

Tributes at the Shaheed Minar

At 12:01 AM, President Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar, laying floral wreaths in honor of the language martyrs. Security has been tightened around the area to ensure a smooth observance of the occasion.

Following them, members of the Advisory Council, chiefs of the three armed forces, and other high-ranking officials also placed floral tributes. The Shaheed Minar was then opened to the public at 12:40 AM, allowing thousands to pay their respects.

Historical Significance of February 21

The language movement began as early as November-December 1947, but gained momentum in March 1948 when protests erupted against the imposition of Urdu as the sole state language by the then Pakistani government. The movement peaked on February 21, 1952, when Dhaka University students defied Section 144, leading to police opening fire, killing several students, including Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Shafiur, and Jabbar.

The following day, February 22, despite continued repression, students and the general public took to the streets in protest. A silent funeral procession was held at the Dhaka Medical College Hostel, where a temporary memorial was built overnight on February 23. However, the government demolished the structure on February 26, further fueling the movement.

Recognition of the Bangla Language

  • May 7, 1954 – Bengali was recognized as one of the state languages of Pakistan following the United Front’s victory in the provincial elections.
  • February 29, 1956 – The Pakistan Constitution was amended, officially recognizing Bengali as a state language.
  • February 26, 1987 – The Bangla Language Promotion Bill was passed in Bangladesh’s National Parliament, making Bangla the mandatory language for official use from March 8, 1987.
  • 2010 – The United Nations declared February 21 as "International Mother Language Day," observed worldwide every year.

Global and National Observance

February 21 is now an occasion for Bengalis worldwide to honor the sacrifices of the language martyrs and promote linguistic and cultural diversity. Various programs, including seminars, cultural events, and discussions, are being held across Bangladesh and embassies abroad.

Today, as Bangladesh remembers its heroes, the significance of the language movement remains a symbol of resistance, cultural pride, and the right to linguistic identity.

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