PM Tarique offers prayers for Language Movement martyrs at Shaheed Minar

Breaking with tradition, he remains at the memorial after laying wreaths, later placing separate tributes on behalf of his cabinet, party, and his family

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has paid tribute to the Language Movement martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar, taking part in prayers for their souls.

On Saturday, at the first watch of Language Martyrs' Day, he joined the prayer session, departing from the usual protocol where heads of state leave immediately after laying wreaths, according to state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

The prayer was led by Hafez Mowlana Nazir Mahmud, senior cleric of the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

Supplications were offered for the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 Anti-autocracy Movement and the 2024 July Uprising.

Prayers were also offered for BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, along with wishes for the welfare of Bangladesh, and the success of the new government.

Tarique laid a wreath at 12:08am, and later placed separate floral tributes on behalf of his cabinet, party and the Zia family.