News Desk, Bangladesh Global: The Martyrs Day and the International Mother Language Day will be observed tomorrow marking the 74th years of the Language Movement of 1952. The day is also observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the ‘February 21 (Ekushey February)’ as International Mother Language Day in 1999.
On February 21, 1952, students and common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. The movement succeeded as the Pakistan government was compelled to recognise Bangla as one of the state languages apart from Urdu in the 1956 Constitution.
The Ekhusey programme will begin placing wreaths at the central Shaheed Minar in the capital at 12:01 am. People wearing black badges will also pay rich tribute at the graves of the language heroes by placing wreaths. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings, including educational institutions, in accordance with official rules. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has undertaken extensive programmes across the country, stating that all city corporations, municipalities, district councils, upazila councils and union councils will observe the day in line with the national programmes, ensuring nationwide participation in honouring the martyrs of the Language Movement.
The President and the Prime Minister will pay homage to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of the day. Law enforcement agencies will ensure additional security for 30 minutes following the President and Prime Minister’s homage to facilitate dignitaries’ tributes. Enhanced security measures will be in place at the Shaheed Minar premises and Azimpur Graveyard to prevent any untoward incidents and manage public gatherings.
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