Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day were observed in Rajshahi with due respect and solemnity, as thousands gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in the first hour of Ekushey.
The Rajshahi district administration arranged elaborate programmes to mark the day.
At 12:01am, as the first hour of 21 February began, people started laying wreaths at the newly constructed Central Shaheed Minar, built on one acre of land at Sonadighi in the city.
Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu formally inaugurated the Shaheed Minar by placing floral tributes and earlier planted a neem sapling on the premises.
Among those present were Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP; Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid; and Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar, along with other senior administrative officials.
From the night onwards, a large crowd gathered at the newly built Shaheed Minar. People from all walks of life, including representatives of social and cultural organisations, political parties and their affiliated bodies, laid wreaths one after another to pay homage to the language martyrs.
Many visitors entered the premises barefoot and stood in silent remembrance of the martyrs’ sacrifices. The entire area reflected a solemn atmosphere marked by mourning, pride, and dignity.
In the early hours, the Paba upazila administration and various social and political organisations also paid tribute to the language martyrs.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arafat Aman Aziz first laid a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at 12:01am. Officials of different departments under the upazila parishad and heroic freedom fighters later joined him in offering homage.
Subsequently, representatives of political parties, social and cultural organisations, and educational institutions placed floral wreaths at the Shaheed Minar to pay their respects.
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