Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the core spirit of Ekushey was the establishment of democratic values, people's rights, and equality.
He noted that by upholding this spirit through a long struggle, democracy has been re-established in the country today, and the current government remains committed to consolidating this democratic progress.
In a message issued on the eve of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day 2026, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt greetings to speakers of all languages and ethnic groups worldwide, including those of his mother tongue, Bangla.
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"On this day, I remember with deep respect all the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, through whose sacrifice we established the dignity of our mother tongue," he said.
Describing February 21st as an unforgettable chapter in national life, the Prime Minister recalled the supreme sacrifices of Abul Barkat, Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, and many others. He remarked that their martyrdom paved the first step toward the liberation of the then-East Bengal, which had been oppressed by centuries of colonial rule.
"The movement to protect the dignity of the mother tongue did not only establish linguistic rights; it also strengthened the foundation of Bengali self-determination, democracy, and cultural consciousness," the Prime Minister added, noting that the bloody path of Ekushey eventually led to the independence of Bangladesh through the Great Liberation War.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Bangla language is the primary vehicle of national identity. He mentioned that in recognition of the nation's sacrifice, UNESCO declared February 21st as International Mother Language Day, turning the spirit of Ekushey into a global movement for the preservation of all languages.
Tarique Rahman further emphasized:
Concluding his message, he called upon everyone to work toward upholding the dignity of all ethnic languages globally.
He urged the nation to preserve linguistic diversity, protect heritage, and ensure the correct use of the Bangla language at all levels.
The Prime Minister prayed for the departed souls of all language martyrs and wished for the success of all programs organized for the day.
