Language martyrs remembered with songs, poetry at first dawn of February

On the first morning of February, marking the beginning of the Month of Language, Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Manirampur upazila unit paid heartfelt tribute to the valiant language activists and martyrs of the historic Language Movement through a solemn cultural program filled with songs, poetry, and reflections.

The commemorative event was held on Sunday morning at the Shaheed Bedi located on the premises of Manirampur Government Pilot High School.

The atmosphere resonated with emotion, reverence, and pride as participants recalled the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives to establish Bangla as the mother tongue.

The programme was presided over by SM Hafizur Rahman, president of Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Manirampur unit, while General Secretary Abdur Rahman Akash conducted the proceedings.

In the discussion session, speeches were delivered by Vice President and noted artist Sanjay Mallick; members Dipjoy Biswas, Kanchan Ghoshal, Bapon Sarkar, Ramprasad Tutul, Nupur Mallick, and Habibur Rahman; and the organisation’s adviser and Manirampur upazila correspondent of The Daily Kaler Kantho, Prof Mohammad Babul Akhtar.

Speakers emphasised that 21 February is not merely a date, but a symbol of the Bengali people’s identity, struggle for rights, and a glorious history of sacrifice.

They noted that the freedom to speak Bangla today is rooted in the bloodshed of the language martyrs, and that upholding the dignity of the mother tongue through correct usage and conscious practice is a moral responsibility for all.

Vice President Sanjay Mallick said, “21 February is a day of deep emotion and pride. Young people once sacrificed their lives for the language in which we sing and dream. This programme during the Month of Language is our humble tribute to the language activists and martyrs. Language consciousness lives on through music and culture, and Bashundhara Shuvosangho has always stood by cultural practice. Let us pledge to love Bangla and protect its dignity.”

President SM Hafizur Rahman remarked, “21 February is both a day of mourning and pride. We remember with profound respect the brave sons who sacrificed their lives to protect the dignity of our mother tongue. Their sacrifice earned us the right to Bangla and the pride of our identity. The Language Movement taught us to stand against injustice and to cherish our language and culture. In that spirit, Bashundhara Shuvosangho has organised this musical tribute. I express my gratitude to all members and artists. Let us uphold the ideals of the language martyrs and keep the honor of Bangla intact.”

The language songs and poetry recitations rekindled the spirit of Ekushey among students, teachers, and members of Bashundhara Shuvosangho. Participants pledged to work collectively to preserve the dignity of the mother tongue, promote correct language practice, and spread the ideals of the Language Movement across all levels of society.

The programme concluded with a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs, followed by the laying of flowers at the Shaheed Bedi.