With only a few hours remaining, Bengalis are preparing to pay tribute to the brave martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. Final preparations are underway at the Central Shaheed Minar to mark this solemn occasion.
A visit to the site on Thursday afternoon revealed an atmosphere of dedication and reverence. Students were seen painting vibrant alpana designs on the altar and surrounding roads, bringing the spirit of Ekushey February to life through their artwork. They believe their brushstrokes will help preserve the legacy of the language movement for future generations.
Speaking with reporters, some students expressed their pride in participating in the tribute, even though they had never witnessed the Language Movement firsthand.
According to sources, tributes will begin at midnight on February 21, International Mother Language Day. The Chief Adviser will be the first to place flowers at the Shaheed Minar, followed by advisers from the interim government, the Ekushey Celebration Committee, and top political leaders. After that, the monument will be opened to the general public for floral tributes.
To ensure a smooth observance of Ekushey February, traffic arrangements have been adjusted. Visitors will enter the Central Shaheed Minar through Palashi Crossing, and after placing flowers, they must exit through Doel Chattar, TSC, Chankharpul, or the High Court area.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has introduced a multi-layered security system. Alongside a large police presence, mobile teams will be deployed within a one-kilometre radius of the Shaheed Minar.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali assured that stringent security measures are in place. He explained that tributes at the Shaheed Minar will take place in three phases. From 12:01 am to 12:40 am, VVIPs and VIPs will place flowers. To prevent overcrowding, the general public is requested to wait until 12:40 am, when the Palashi Gate of Dhaka University will be opened.
He urged visitors to arrive on time and maintain discipline while paying their respects, assuring that there is no security threat.
Security measures will remain in effect until 2:00 PM on February 21. Visitors are advised to be mindful of their belongings, such as mobile phones and wallets, while in the area. Mobile security teams will be patrolling within a one-kilometre radius.
Regarding potential threats, the DMP Commissioner stated that known criminals on bail are under surveillance and are not a concern for the event. Additionally, there are no indications of militant threats.
He added that aside from a few isolated incidents, law and order are stable, and police personnel are fully prepared to ensure public safety.
Seven key locations will be barricaded, with these security measures taking effect between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm tonight.
