The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangla Academy have finalized elaborate nationwide programs to observe Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day tomorrow, marking the 74th anniversary of the historic Language Movement.

The day, a public holiday, will begin with the national flag being hoisted at half-mast across all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings.

The central observance will commence at 12:01 am as the President and the Prime Minister pay homage to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar.

Following the state tribute, foreign diplomats, political leaders, and people from all walks of life will lay wreaths.

Law enforcement agencies have implemented a multi-layered security plan, including watchtowers and CCTV surveillance, to ensure a peaceful environment at the Shaheed Minar and Azimpur Graveyard.

To promote linguistic diversity, road islands in the capital have been decorated with festoons featuring the alphabets of various ethnic communities alongside Bangla.

The Department of Mass Communication will organize mobile musical concerts on trucks throughout Dhaka and vessels on nearby river routes, while mobile film screenings are scheduled at the district and upazila levels.

Additionally, all museums and archaeological sites, including the Bangladesh National Museum, will offer free entry to children, students, and senior citizens.

Bangla Academy has chalked out its own specific commemorative events, starting with the placement of wreaths at 12:30 am.

On the morning of February 21, a self-composed poetry recitation session will be held at the Academy’s Nazrul Mancha at 8 am, followed by the prestigious 'Amar Ekushey Lecture-2026' at 11 am.

This year’s lecture will be delivered by eminent economist Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah, with Academy President Professor Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq presiding.

Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, and churches across the country for the eternal peace of the martyrs' souls.

Simultaneously, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair continues to serve as a cultural hub, with various institutions including the Shilpakala Academy and Islamic Foundation participating in the month-long literary celebration.

Bangladesh missions abroad will also observe the day with due solemnity, highlighting the global recognition of February 21 as a symbol of linguistic rights.