Nation pays homage to language martyrs at Shaheed Minar

People from all walks of life, including students, professionals, government and private officials, and members of social, cultural, and political organisations, paid floral tribute to the Language Martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday.

The country observes 'Shaheed Dibash' (Martyrs’ Day) and International Mother Language Day with solemnity, honoring the memory of the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

Mourners, many dressed in the traditional white and black attire of Ekushey February, offered flowers at the Shaheed Minar altar, lining up barefoot in respect.

The floral homage began at 12:01am and continued until Sahri, after which the pre-dawn procession resumed around 6:30am, with participants from educational institutions, offices, and various organizations taking part. Security was significantly tightened around the Shaheed Minar for the occasion.

This year marks the 74th anniversary of the Language Movement. At the zero hour, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid their respects to the martyrs.

The President laid a wreath at 12:01am, followed by the Prime Minister at 12:07am, marking his first official tribute as premier.

The Prime Minister stood in silent homage, offered prayers for the eternal peace of the martyrs, and later paid additional tribute along with cabinet members and family.

The chiefs of the three armed services also participated in the ceremony.

Opposition leaders, including Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and leaders of the 11-party alliance, also paid homage, offering prayers for the martyrs' eternal peace.

This marked the first formal participation of Jamaat at the central Shaheed Minar ceremony.

Today is a government holiday. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion. National flags were flown at half-mast at educational institutions and offices across the country.

Wreath-laying ceremonies, black badges, and pre-dawn processions were also held at Azimpur graveyard and other locations in the city.

Bangladesh Betar, BTV, and private television channels aired special programmes, while newspapers published commemorative supplements to mark the day.