Desk Report: The nation marked Ekushey February with solemnity and respect, remembering the language martyrs in the early hours of the day. The historic song “Amar Vaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February… Ami Ki Vulitey Pari?” echoed from the Central Shaheed Minar, breaking the silence of the night.
At midnight on Thursday, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, observing his second Ekushey as head of state, laid a wreath at the memorial altar. Shortly after, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus also paid his respects by placing a wreath.
Both leaders stood in silent tribute to the language heroes who sacrificed their lives in 1952. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan welcomed the Chief Adviser to the Shaheed Minar, as confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
In attendance were advisers to the interim government, chiefs of the three services, freedom fighters, diplomats, and high civil and military officials.
The Shaheed Minar was later opened to the public, with hundreds of people from various walks of life walking barefoot and carrying flowers, singing the immortal song to honor the language martyrs.
February 21 is also celebrated globally, following UNESCO’s recognition of Ekushey February as International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.