Amar Ekushey today

The nation is set to observe "Amar Ekushey" – Language Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day – today (21 February), marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of the mother tongue Bangla.

The day will also be observed around the world as Unesco recognised the day as International Mother Language Day on 17 November 1999.

Walking barefoot to Dhaka's Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing "Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February/Ami ki bhulite pari," people from all walks of life will pay their respect to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives to achieve the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan.

On 21 February 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.

Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firings on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching Section 144 to press home their demand for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan.

The day is a public holiday.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the eve of the day.

"On the occasion of Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day, I pay tribute to people of all languages in the world, including Bangla. Since 2000, Bangladesh and UNESCO have been jointly observing this day in a befitting manner. 'Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development' as this year's UNESCO topic is justified," said Prof Yunus. 

He said the interim government established through the July uprising is working consistently to defend the dignity of the nation and its languages, which are essential to growth and prosperity.

"It is also working to ensure that the Bangla language is used in information technology. Textbooks in the mother languages of various ethnic groups, including Braille books, are being distributed free of charge," he added.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said yesterday that placing floral tributes at Central Shaheed Minar will be organised in three phases, with VVIPs and VIPs laying flowers from 12:01am to 12:40am.

To avoid inconvenience, the general people were requested not to arrive during the period.

According to a DMP media release, attendees are advised to follow designated routes.

The prescribed entry route for the Shaheed Minar includes Palashi crossing–Sculpture crossing-Jagannath Hall crossing, while the exit route will be via Ramna crossing-Doel Chattar. Diversions will be enforced at Shahbagh crossing, Nilkhet crossing, Shahidullah Hall crossing, Chankharpul crossing, Palashi crossing, and Bakshibazar crossing to ensure smooth movement and security.