Outrage as no state honour in death for Language Movement veteran Abdul Matin

Hundreds gathered at Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Thursday noon to bid farewell to Matin, who earned the name ‘Bhasha Matin’ for his role as convenor of the all-party state language movement committee in 1952.

The tribute there was arranged by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), assisted by Sammilito Sanskritik Jote.

Senior politicians from the ruling Awami League, BNP, Communist Party of Bangladesh and other Left-leaning parties paid their respect.

“He was a great son of this country. The nation thought the state would give him the honour he deserves. But only the state can say why he wasn’t,” said BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Golam Arieff Tipoo, the chief prosecutor at the International Crimes Tribunal, was also disappointed.

“Matin Bhai was a conscious and progressive man. It is very painful to know that a man of his stature will not be given state honour. This is not pleasant for the state.” Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid who was among the mourners at Shaheed Minar at noon, said he did not know why the honour was not extended to the 88-year old. “I can’t say why he was not given state honour. But he is an icon of the Language Movement. State honour and recognitions are just formalities.” Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim, however, asserted that Abdul Matin had, indeed, been given state honour. “The prime minister ordered his treatment. The tribute at Shaheed Minar was arranged by BSMMU. So it is not correct that he was not given state honour.” Abdul Matin contributed vastly to developing society with Left politics. He was awarded the ‘Ekushey Padak’ in 2001. As per his wish, his eyes would be donated to voluntary organisation Sandhani and the body for medical students.