Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has described February 21 as an unforgettable chapter of the nation’s history and said the great language movement always awakens the sense of nationalism and unity. ‘The language movement awakens our sense of nationalism and unity. The great language movement is the first step towards achieving the nation’s freedom movement,’ he said in a Facebook post this noon marking the International Mother Language Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman remembered all the martyrs with deep respect, saying, ‘On the blood-stained February 21, Dhaka University students shed their fresh blood to protect our mother tongue. Many including Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, and Jabbar sacrificed lives on that day.’ He noted that February 21 is now observed as the International Mother Language Day around the globe.
Tarique Rahman added, ‘Language movement in 1952 intensified the path towards the country’s all democratic and self-determination struggles, ultimately leading to our national independence through a bloody war. The people were freed from shackles and regained a sovereign land.’ He warned that despite the country’s independence, authoritarian forces continue to conspire to impose their dominance over language and culture, aiming to serve a particular group, preventing the nation from standing tall in the global community.
However, he emphasized that the people of Bangladesh have consistently resisted both domestic and foreign conspiracies with courage. ‘In order to prevent the nation from being suppressed, we must work together to strengthen and sustain justice, human equality, and true democracy,’ he stated, urging democratic forces that believe in independence and sovereignty to remain vigilant to ensure democracy is never imprisoned in harsh shackles.
Tarique Rahman expressed that the undying spirit of February 21 will continue to inspire such endeavors. With the recognition of February 21 as International Mother Language Day, the movement has become a global symbol of preserving the dignity of the mother tongue. He wished success for various programmes being undertaken by different social, cultural, and political organizations to mark the day.
Concluding his remarks, Tarique Rahman prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls of the 1952 language martyrs and extended his condolences to the members of their bereaved families.