Language Martyrs’ Day Observed in Pakistan and South Africa

The Bangladesh High Commissions in Islamabad, Pakistan and Pretoria, South Africa observed the Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day 2026 with due respect and solemnity, commemorating the supreme sacrifices of the 1952 Language Martyrs.

In Islamabad, High Commissioner Md Iqbal Hossain Khan led the ceremony by hoisting the national flag at half-mast and laying a wreath at a temporary Shaheed Minar. 

Participants joined in a chorus of "Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February, Ami Ki Bhulite Pari," to honor the historic sacrifice. 

During the discussion, the High Commissioner paid deep tribute to the martyrs, noting that the movement "laid the foundation for a secular, democratic and language-based state structure." 

He further called upon all to "uphold the spirit of Ekushey in building a prosperous and inclusive Bangladesh."

Meanwhile, in Pretoria, High Commissioner Shah Ahmed Shafi formally inaugurated the observance by placing floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar on the chancery grounds. 

He was joined by diplomats from various nations and members of the expatriate community. Highlighting the global importance of the day, the High Commissioner underscored the need for "upholding the spirit of the Language Movement and nurturing Bangla language and culture among expatriates." 

He also expressed his well-wishes for the "continued success of the newly formed government" and urged expatriates to "work collectively for nation-building."

Both missions featured the reading of messages from the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

The programs included special prayers for the departed souls, documentary screenings, and drawing competitions for children to foster a connection with their cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, With a renewed nationalistic spirit and a commitment to its hard-earned democratic process, Bangladesh today paid a glowing tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. 

People from all walks of life—including students, professionals, and members of various social and political organizations—gathered at Shaheed Minars across the country to honor the supreme sacrifice of Rafique, Shafique, Salam, Barkat, Jabbar, and others who laid down their lives on February 21, 1952.

Clad in the traditional black and white attire of Amar Ekushey, visitors walked barefoot to place wreaths at the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar. 

The national program commenced at one minute past midnight and continued through the early hours, resuming with a pre-dawn procession (Prabhatferi) at 6:30 am. Security was significantly tightened to ensure the safety of the massive crowds.

Marking the 74th anniversary of the movement, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman led the nation in paying respects. 

The President laid his wreath at 12:01 am, followed by the Prime Minister at 12:07 am, marking his first official tribute as premier. The Prime Minister, accompanied by his cabinet and family, stood in solemn silence and offered prayers for the martyrs.

In a historic first, the Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, alongside leaders of the 11-party alliance, participated formally in the tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar. 

Other dignitaries, including the chiefs of the three services, members of the diplomatic corps, and Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, also paid their respects.

The event saw broad participation from political entities such as the ruling BNP, the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gano Odhikar Parishad, NDM, AB Party, Jatiya Party, Jasad, and the Communist Party of Bangladesh. 

Student organizations, including DACSU, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also laid wreaths.

Beyond the capital, identical programs were held in divisional cities, districts, and upazilas. National flags flew at half-mast across all government and private buildings. 

To commemorate the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman released a commemorative postage stamp and envelope at his Tejgaon office.

The significance of February 21 extends globally as UNESCO-recognized International Mother Language Day. 

The 1952 movement not only forced the recognition of Bangla as a state language in 1956 but also sowed the seeds of the struggle for independence and the eventual emergence of Bangladesh.

The day featured special prayers at places of worship and various cultural activities. The Mass Communication Department organized mobile musical concerts, while the Bangladesh Shishu Academy held competitions for children. 

Notably, the Bangladesh National Museum offered free entry to students and senior citizens and displayed archival materials, including graffiti from the 2024 mass uprising. 

The observance will continue with the month-long Ekushey Book Fair at Bangla Academy, set to begin on February 25.