Thousands pay tribute to Language Movement heroes in Chattogram

Politicians, officials and citizens gather at the city Shaheed Minar to pay respects at midnight

Chattogram has honoured the language martyrs during the first watch of Immortal Ekushey, with politicians, government officials and people from all walks of life paying tribute at the city’s Shaheed Minar.

From 11pm on Friday, thousands of people of different ages began assembling at the Shaheed Minar to remember those who gave their lives for the Bangla language.

The tribute began with a ceremonial armed salute by a police unit.

At 12:01am, Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, MPs Abu Sufian and Md Ershad Ullah placed wreaths at the monument.

Divisional Commissioner Md Ziauddin and Deputy Commissioner Md Zahidul Islam Mian were also present.

After the tribute, Mayor Shahadat said: "The language fighters established the rights of our language with their lives. Democracy has been restored through a proper election.

“By paying respect to all our martyrs, we must build a Bangladesh of equality.”

Following them, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, DIG Ahsan Habib Palash of Chattogram Range and Police Superintendent Nazir Ahmed Khan also laid flowers.

Veteran freedom fighters then paid their respects, followed by representatives from different organisations.

Leaders and members of Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, Ansar and VDP, Fire Service and Civil Defence, Tourist Police, Chattogram Reporters’ Unity, Divisional Social Service Department, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Shramik Dal, Naval Police, and PBI all laid flowers to honour the martyrs.