The nation honors the sacrifices of language martyrs

Nation to Pay Glowing Tributes to Language Martyrs on Shaheed Dibash and International Mother Language Day

The nation is set to honor the memory of the language martyrs with profound reverence on Friday, marking Shaheed Dibash (Martyrs' Day) and International Mother Language Day.

People from all walks of life will pay homage to the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives in 1952 to establish the right to speak Bangla as their mother tongue. Since UNESCO recognized Ekushey February as International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999, the day has been observed worldwide.

This year’s UNESCO theme, "Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development," is particularly relevant in today’s context.

Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus has issued a message commemorating the occasion, paying tribute to speakers of all languages, including Bangla. In his message, he emphasized that February 21, 1952, marked the first major victory in the Bengali nation’s long struggle for independence after centuries of subjugation. He highlighted the language movement's deep connection to Bangladesh’s liberation movement.

Programs and Observances

The day's observances will begin at one minute past midnight, with people placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar near Dhaka Medical College and at other Shaheed Minars nationwide. Other programs include:

• Wearing black badges as a mark of mourning.
• Keeping the national flag at half-mast and hoisting black flags atop buildings.
• Offering prayers (Fateha & Qurankhwani) at the Azimpur graveyard, where the martyrs rest.
• Holding discussions and cultural events to reflect on the significance of the day.
• Bringing out "Provat Feri" (morning processions) to honor the martyrs.

The Central Shaheed Minar premises will be adorned with paintings, graffiti, buntings, and selected verses celebrating the richness of the mother tongue. Tight security has been enforced in and around the Shaheed Minar, Azimpur graveyard, and other key locations.

Various political, social, cultural, and professional organizations have also planned programs to observe Amar Ekushey (Immortal Ekushey) in a fitting manner.

National and International Observances

• Government, semi-government, autonomous, and private institutions will observe the day by ensuring proper flag etiquette.
• Educational institutions, local administrations, and Bangladesh missions abroad will organize discussions and commemorations.
• Special prayers will be held in mosques, temples, churches, and other places of worship.
• Major roads and public spaces will be decorated with festoons displaying different languages, including Bangla.
• Media coverage will include special programs on television and radio, while newspapers will publish special supplements.
• Bangladesh missions worldwide will arrange events such as book and photo exhibitions, tributes at Shaheed Minars, and discussions on Bangabandhu and the Language Movement.

Historical Significance

On February 21, 1952, brave students Salam, Rafique, Shafique, Jabbar, and Barkat were martyred in police firing near Dhaka Medical College and Hospital while protesting against the Pakistani regime’s attempt to impose Urdu as the sole state language. Their sacrifice laid the foundation for future movements, ultimately leading to the War of Independence and the creation of Bangladesh.

The language movement persisted, compelling Pakistan's government to recognize Bangla as one of the state languages alongside Urdu on February 29, 1956. However, the repression and political injustices continued, fueling the struggle for liberation that culminated in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.

As the nation and the world observe this solemn occasion, the spirit of Ekushey remains a symbol of linguistic and cultural pride, inspiring generations to uphold the right to language and identity.