The month of language movement begins today. The nation will pay rich tributes to the valiant sons of the soil who were killed during the language movement in the month of February 1952.

The language movement paved the way for the country’s independence. 

On March 24 in 1948, the then Pakistan government announced that “Urdu and only Urdu shall be the state language of Pakistan”. The announcement infuriated the students of Dhaka University, other educational institutions and the people, irrespective of religion, caste and creed of the then East Pakistan.

The supreme sacrifices of Salam, Barkat, Rafique, Shafiur, Jabbar and others during a massive movement helped the Bengali nation achieve the dignity of their mother tongue on February 21, 1952.

Although February is the month of mourning, it is a matter of dignity for the nation as only the Bengalese have sacrificed their lives for establishing mother tongue as state language.

Apart from the Language Day, February 21 is now recognized as the International Mother Language Day.

The month is usually observed through various programmes. The Amar Ekushey Book fair is the most attraction of the month-long observance as traditionally it begins on the first day of February.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the fair as the chief guest on Bangla Academy premises here at 3pm.
 
Besides, the national poetry festival will also begin in the city tomorrow, which started in 1987 against the autocracy. Bangladesh Patho Natak Parishad will stage street drama at Central Shaheed Minar here.

Sammilita Sangskritik Jote and Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation will orgainse cultural function from February 8 to February 21. Besides, Dhania Pathagar will organize word drawing for children.

Different social, political and cultural organizations will also observe the month through various programmes.

BDST: 1000 HRS, FEB 1, 2024
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