Dhaka, Feb 21 (V7N) –The nation has united to reverently honor the supreme sacrifice of the language martyrs who laid down their lives to uphold the dignity of the mother tongue, Bangla.
On November 17, 1999, Unesco officially recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day, acknowledging the significance of linguistic diversity and the sacrifices made to preserve it.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus led the nation in paying tribute by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar.
President Shahabuddin arrived at the monument at 11:59pm on Thursday night, and as the clock struck 12:01am, he solemnly laid his floral tribute in honor of the fallen heroes of the Language Movement.
According to deputy press secretary to the chief adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan, accompanied by senior university officials, met with the president and extended their greetings.
Foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka also visited the Shaheed Minar in the early hours to pay their respects.
Additionally, the inspector general of police, Major General Md Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, the director general of the Border Guard Bangladesh, and representatives from various political, social, cultural, and volunteer organizations honored the martyrs by laying floral wreaths.
In a message commemorating the occasion, Dr Yunus said: “On this day, I extend my deepest respect to speakers of Bangla and all languages across the world. Since 2000, Bangladesh and Unesco have been jointly observing this day with due significance. Language is integral to sustainable development, which aligns with this year’s Unesco theme.”
He further said: “We are actively working to integrate Bangla into digital platforms and information technology. Free textbooks, including Braille editions, are being distributed in multiple indigenous languages to ensure accessibility for all.”
Dr Yunus also reaffirmed the government’s commitment, saying: “The interim government, established following the July uprising, remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the dignity of our language and nation while advancing growth and prosperity.”
As the poignant melody of “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” fills the air, thousands of people from all walks of life, barefoot and solemn, march towards the Central Shaheed Minar.
They lay wreaths in heartfelt tribute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to establish Bangla as a state language.
On February 21, 1952, the then-Pakistani government refused to recognize Bangla as an official language, instead declaring Urdu as the sole state language.
In defiance, students and activists took to the streets of Dhaka.
Despite Section 144 prohibiting public gatherings, students from Dhaka University led a peaceful demonstration.
In response, police opened fire, killing Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, and several others—forever etching their names in history as martyrs of the Language Movement.
February 21 is a public holiday, observed nationwide with profound reverence.
To mark the occasion, Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and various private radio and television channels are airing special programs.
Meanwhile, heightened security measures have been put in place around the Central Shaheed Minar to ensure a smooth and dignified observance of the day.
END/MSS/AJ
Comment: