Dhaka, Feb 21:
With the solemn strains of the immortal song “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February, Ami Ki Bhulite Pari” and barefoot processions at dawn, the nation commemorated the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement on Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.
Marking the day, the Teachers’ Association of University of Dhaka and the Nil Dal panel paid tribute to the language martyrs by placing floral wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar on Friday.
At around 12:30 pm, a delegation of university teachers, led by Teachers’ Association General Secretary Professor Dr. Zinat Huda, laid wreaths at the altar in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect the dignity of the Bangla language.
On February 21, 1952, students of the University of Dhaka and other activists embraced martyrdom demanding recognition of Bangla as a state language of Pakistan. The university, regarded as the cradle of the Language Movement, has continued the tradition of observing the day with due respect every year.
During the wreath-laying ceremony, several senior leaders of Nil Dal—an academic panel of DU teachers—were present. Among them were Convener Professor Dr. A K M Jamal Uddin, Adviser Professor Dr. M Ahiduzzaman, and Professor Dr. Saiful Islam Khan.
Also in attendance were Joint Convener Professor Dr. Abdur Rahman, recently released Joint Convener Professor Dr. Hafizur Rahman Karzon, Co-convener Professor Dr. Shabnam Jahan, Professor Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Litu, Professor Dr. Suraiya Akter, Associate Professor Dr. Siddhartha Dey, and Associate Professor Dr. Kalidas Bhakta.
Tributes at Azimpur Graveyard
Following the ceremony at the Central Shaheed Minar, the teachers visited the Azimpur Graveyard to pay homage at the graves of language martyrs Shafiur Rahman, Abdul Jabbar, and Abul Barkat.
Led by Nil Dal Convener Professor Dr. A K M Jamal Uddin, the delegation placed wreaths and offered prayers seeking eternal peace for the departed souls.
The martyrs were killed in police firing on February 21 and 22, 1952. Their supreme sacrifice paved the way for the recognition of Bangla as a state language and later inspired the nation’s struggle for independence.
After laying flowers, a special prayer and munajat were conducted by Professor Dr. Saiful Islam Khan. The teachers solemnly remembered the unparalleled contributions of the language martyrs to the nation’s history and identity.
