Bangladesh is observing International Mother Language Day today, Monday.
At the first hour of the day, thousands of barefooted people streamed to Central Shaheed Minar and Azimpur cemetary to pay their tributes to the martyrs of the Language Movement of 1952. The day was observed with much enthusiasm and solemnity across the country with thousands of people paying their tributes to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the traditional “Shaheed Minars” with the playback tune of the immortal song of Ekushey—
“Amar Bhaiyer Raktey Rangano Ekushey February/Ami Ke Bhuletae Pari”.
Flags across the nation flew at half-staff in memory of those who died for the cause of the Bangla Language Movement. Senior leaders including President Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and opposition leader Sheikh Hasina and foreign diplomats placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to honor the martyrs.
Bangladesh proposed the day February 21 to be declared as the International Mother Language Day which was accepted by the General Conference of UNESCO in its 30th session held on February 21,1999.
