Dhaka: The nation is poised to pay tributes to the language martyrs today on the occasion of ‘Shaheed Dibash’ (Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day. People from all walks of life will honor the language movement martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in 1952 to uphold Bangla as their mother tongue.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the day is observed globally since UNESCO recognized February 21 as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. This year’s UNESCO theme, “Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development,” emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message, paying tribute to people of all languages worldwide. He highlighted the Bengali nation’s first victory in their struggle for independence on February 21, 1952, marking a significant moment in their liberation history.
The day’s events include paying respect at the Central Shaheed Minar and other local Shaheed Minars, holding discussions, wearing black badges, and keeping national flags at half-mast. The day is a public holiday, and the Central Shaheed Minar premises is adorned with paintings and verses celebrating the mother language.
Security measures are heightened around Shaheed Minar and Azimpur graveyard. Various political, social, and cultural bodies have organized programs, including cultural functions, to observe Amar Ekushey. Educational institutions and government bodies will also participate in observing the day.
Special prayers will be held at Azimpur graveyard and other places of worship, seeking peace for the souls of the martyrs. The capital will feature festoons with letters in different languages, and media outlets will air special programs and publish supplements.
Bangladesh missions abroad will host events such as wreath-laying, discussions, and exhibitions, involving diplomats and expatriates. Various cultural and educational institutions within Bangladesh will organize events in commemoration of the day.
On February 21, 1952, Salam, Rafique, Shafique, Jabbar, and Barkat were martyred during a protest demanding Bangla as the state language of Pakistan. Their sacrifice marked the beginning of the movement, which ultimately led to the recognition of Bangla as a state language in 1956 and contributed to the independence movement of Bangladesh.