Tributes pour in as Bangladesh remembers Language Movement martyrs

Bangladesh is observing Language Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day with due solemnity as people across the country pay tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

From 12:01am on Saturday, crowds gathered at Shaheed Minars in districts and Upazilas, laying wreaths in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the recognition of Bangla as a state language.

On Feb 21, 1952, police opened fire on students and activists demanding that Bangla be recognised as a state language of then Pakistan. Abdus Salam, Abdul Jabbar, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Barkat, Shafiur Rahman and others were killed in the crackdown.

In 1999, UNESCO declared Feb 21 as International Mother Language Day in recognition of their sacrifice. The day is observed globally to promote linguistic diversity and protect mother tongues, while in Bangladesh it is also commemorated as Language Martyrs' Day.

Dhaka

The Central Shaheed Minar in the capital became the focal point of the day’s observances as thousands gathered to honour the language martyrs.

After the president and prime minister offered floral tributes in the first hours of Feb 21, the monument was opened to the public. From then on, a steady stream of people -- from children to the elderly -- arrived carrying wreaths and bouquets, filling the premises with flowers.

Members of the cabinet, the chiefs of the three Armed Forces and opposition MPs paid homage at the monument. Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami also offered wreaths this year.

By 11am, families and representatives of social, political and cultural organisations were seen standing in long queues to lay flowers at the altar.

Rima Chakraborty, who came from Motijheel with her children, said she wanted them to understand the meaning of the day.

“Like every year, I’ve brought my children. I want them to know that people sacrificed their lives for our language and that they should always remember them with respect,” she said.

Nazmul Hossain, who visited with his son for the first time, said: “We speak Bangla because of the language martyrs. I’ve brought my son so he can learn the history of the Language Movement.”

Ranu Sarkar, in her sixties, said the Language Movement had laid the foundation for the Liberation War.

“Because of them, we have our language and our country. I’ve come to remember those heroes,” she said.

Educational institutions, government and private bodies, and various social, cultural and political groups also offered floral tributes throughout the morning.

Sylhet

A large crowd gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Sylhet city’s Chouhatta area in the early hours of Saturday.

Floral tributes began at 12:01am. Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury led the homage, joined by officials of the administration, freedom fighters, BNP leaders and activists, and representatives of various political, social and cultural organisations.

“Mother Language Day is a unique day in our national life. Let practising our mother tongue at all levels be our pledge for the future,” the minister said after offering respects.

A procession organised by the Sammilita Natya Parishad began at 8am from Nazrul Auditorium in Rikabi Bazar and concluded at the Shaheed Minar. The district administration and other organisations arranged additional programmes to mark the day.

Jashore

In Jashore, wreath-laying ceremonies began at 12:01am at the central Shaheed Minar at Jashore Government MM College.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan were among the first to honour the martyrs, followed by Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam.

Representatives of the Muktijoddha Sangsad, the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Jashore district BNP, Jashore Press Club, journalist organisations and other government and private institutions also offered floral respects in turn.

Mymensingh

Mymensingh observed the day with similar solemnity.

Divisional Commissioner Farah Shammi inaugurated the tribute proceedings at 12:01am at the Central Shaheed Minar at the Town Hall.

She was followed by Mymensingh-4 MP Abu Wahab Akanda, Range DIG Ataul Kibria, Deputy Commissioner Saifur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman and members of the Muktijoddha Sangsad.

BNP leaders, representatives of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Mymensingh Press Club and various social and cultural organisations also paid homage.

MP Akanda said the large turnout reflected people’s renewed sense of rights and participation.

Discussion meetings, blood donation drives, art competitions and cultural programmes were also held across the district.