Int’l Mother Language Day observed nationwide

The nation is observing Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day on Saturday, marking 74 years of the historic Language Movement.

People from all walks of life paid glowing tributes to the memories of the Language Movement martyrs — the valiant sons of the soil who made the ultimate sacrifice to establish Bangla as the mother tongue in 1952.

The Ekushey programme began with the placing of wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital at 12:01am.

Wearing black badges, people also paid rich tributes at the graves of the language heroes by laying wreaths.

The day is observed worldwide after UNESCO recognised 21 February (Ekushey February) as International Mother Language Day on 17 November 1999.

On 21 February 1952, Salam, Rafique, Shafique, Jabbar and Barkat embraced martyrdom in police firing in front of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) as they took to the streets to intensify the movement demanding Bangla as one of the state languages of the then Pakistan. Their sacrifice sowed the seeds of subsequent movements that ultimately led to the country’s independence.

The movement for Bangla did not cease, and on 29 February 1956, the Pakistan government was compelled to recognise Bangla as one of the state languages alongside Urdu.

However, resistance against repression and misrule by the Pakistani regime continued, eventually culminating in the War of Independence and the emergence of Bangladesh.

The day is a public holiday.

National flags have been kept at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous and private organisations, as well as educational institutions.

To observe the day with due solemnity and respect, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has undertaken extensive programmes across the country.

According to decisions taken at an inter-ministerial meeting held at Bangla Academy in Dhaka on 13 January, the day is being observed nationwide through a series of commemorative, cultural and educational activities.

To raise awareness about the proper size and regulations for hoisting the national flag, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private television and radio channels, and print media are broadcasting and publishing special guidelines.

The President and the Prime Minister paid homage to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of the day.

Following their tribute, distinguished personalities, foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka, representatives of ministries and departments, organisations associated with Ekushey celebrations, and political leaders laid wreaths.

Law enforcement agencies ensured additional security for 30 minutes after the President and Prime Minister’s homage to facilitate dignitaries in paying their respects.

Enhanced security measures have been taken at the Shaheed Minar premises and Azimpur Graveyard to prevent any untoward incidents and manage public gatherings.

All government and private television channels, Bangladesh Betar and community radio stations are airing special Ekushey programmes throughout the day.

Various road islands and important points in Dhaka have been decorated with festoons featuring alphabets of all ethnic communities of the country, including Bangla.

Special prayers are being offered at mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country for the eternal peace of the souls of the language martyrs.

The Mass Communication Department is organising mobile musical concerts on trucks across the Dhaka metropolis and boat-based cultural programmes on waterways surrounding the capital. Mobile film screenings are also being arranged at district and upazila levels.

Bangladesh missions abroad are observing the day with due respect.

Bangladesh Shishu Academy is publishing special children’s editions to mark the occasion and arranging drawing competitions, recitations of rhymes and poems, and cultural programmes for children.

Bangla Academy is hosting the Ekushey Book Fair with participation from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the Department of Public Libraries, Bangladesh National Museum, the National Book Centre, the National Kabi Kazi Nazrul Institute, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, the Islamic Foundation and other publishing organisations.

The Bangladesh National Museum and its branch museums, the Shilpacharya Zainul Folk and Crafts Museum, the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation, and all archaeological sites and museums under the Department of Archaeology are offering free entry to children, adolescents, students, senior citizens and persons with special needs.

In addition, the Bangladesh National Museum and the Museum of Independence are screening documentaries, displaying archival materials on the Language Movement, showcasing graffiti from the 2024 mass uprising, and organising Bangla handwriting competitions and seminars for children and adolescents.

The Department of Public Libraries is holding writing and drawing competitions, along with discussions on the Language Movement, at public libraries at divisional, district and upazila levels.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has stated that all city corporations, municipalities, district councils, upazila councils and union councils are observing the day in line with the national programme, ensuring nationwide participation in honouring the martyrs of the Language Movement.