Thousands of people from all walks of life paid tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Saturday as Bangladesh observed the Martyred Intellectuals’ Day and International Mother Language Day, marking the anniversary of the 1952 Language Movement.
From the first moments of February 21, a steady stream of mourners gathered at the historic monument to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the right to speak Bangla. The Central Shaheed Minar, the symbolic heart of the language movement, became a focal point of remembrance, unity, and reflection.
The site was opened to the public shortly after the President and the Prime Minister completed their formal tributes in the early hours of the day. Political parties, social and cultural organizations, educational institutions, and ordinary citizens then proceeded in an orderly manner to place wreaths and floral tributes.
Visitors were seen forming long queues leading toward the monument, with members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps and Bangladesh Scouts assisting law enforcement in maintaining discipline and ensuring smooth movement. Many participants joined traditional barefoot processions, known as *prabhat feri*, carrying national flags, banners, and placards bearing messages of linguistic pride.
Several prominent institutions, including Eden Mohila College, BRAC University, Chhayanaut, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Transparency International Bangladesh, Udichi Shilpigosthi, and Bangladesh Scouts, were among those who paid homage. Student organizations such as Bangladesh Student Union and others also laid wreaths in memory of the language martyrs.
Beyond organized groups, a large number of individuals attended the observance privately. Families arrived with children, many parents taking time to explain the history and significance of the Language Movement to the younger generation.
“Language Movement history is not something confined to textbooks; it is part of our identity,” said Tanzila Akter, a student of Eden Mohila College. “Coming here every year helps us reconnect with that history.”
Nine-year-old Sinthia Tamanna, who traveled from Dhanmondi with her parents, said she came to offer flowers “to those who gave their lives for our mother tongue.”
People also traveled from outside Dhaka to participate. Matiur Rahman, who came from Rajbari district, said the day was a reminder that people do not want to return to periods marked by misrule and irregularities, reflecting broader public sentiments voiced by several visitors.
Among the political parties and alliances that paid tribute were the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gano Odhikar Parishad, NDM, AB Party, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Bashad, Revolutionary Workers Party, JASAD, JSD, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Union, Chhatra Front, and Chhatra Maitree were also present.
Educational institutions including the University of Dhaka and Jagannath University, along with several colleges in the capital, separately placed wreaths at the monument. Social platforms such as July Unity and July Mancha also joined the observance.
Earlier, at 12:01 a.m., President Mohammad Shahabuddin was the first to lay a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman followed at 12:08 a.m., accompanied by members of the cabinet. After the prime minister’s tribute, representatives of the BNP and members of the Zia family placed wreaths.
Later, leaders of an 11-party alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, paid their respects. Opposition lawmakers, including NCP convener Nahid Islam, were also present during the tribute.
International Mother Language Day, recognized by UNESCO, is observed globally to promote linguistic diversity and the protection of mother tongues. In Bangladesh, the day carries deep emotional and historical significance, rooted in the sacrifices made during the 1952 Language Movement.
