Bangladesh honors heroes of Language Movement

Dhaka

Thousands gathered at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Bengali Language Movement on International Mother Language Day. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus led the commemorations, placing wreaths in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for linguistic rights.

Walking barefoot and singing "Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February," people from all backgrounds paid their respects. Manindra Kumar Nath of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council highlighted the movement’s historical significance, recalling how Bangladeshis fought against Pakistan’s imposition of Urdu.

The Bengali Language Movement was a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history. On February 21, 1952, students from the University of Dhaka organized a peaceful protest demanding Bengali’s recognition as a state language. Police opened fire, killing Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, and others. Their sacrifice eventually forced the Pakistani rulers to recognize Bengali as a state language, strengthening Bangladesh’s fight for independence.

In 1999, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. The day has been observed globally since 2000.

Speaking at the tribute, Nath expressed hope for Bangladesh’s democratic and secular future. He emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made to preserve linguistic identity and freedom.