Bangladesh’s current and former national cricketers united in remembrance on Friday as the country observed Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives during the Language Movement of 1952.
On 21 February 1952, Rafiq, Shafiq, Barkat, Salam and several others were killed while demanding recognition of Bangla as a state language. Every year, the nation commemorates their sacrifice with solemn respect, and members of the cricketing fraternity once again added their voices to the tributes.
Former captain Shakib Al Hasan shared a symbolic image of the Language Movement on his verified social media page, accompanied by the message: “On 21 February, Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, humble tribute to all language martyrs.”
Another former skipper, Tamim Iqbal, posted a photograph of the Shaheed Minar, writing: “Deep respect to the martyrs of the Language Movement.”
Ex-captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza echoed similar sentiments, offering a simple but heartfelt message: “Humble tribute to all language martyrs.”
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed delivered one of the most stirring tributes, stating: “21 means protest. 21 means declaration of self-respect. 21 means the first sacrifice for language in the world. Bangla is my pride, Bangla is my identity.”
Left-handed batter Soumya Sarkar reflected on the enduring legacy of the movement: “The history written in blood never fades. Ekushey is our self-respect, our existence. That sacrifice to secure the right to our mother tongue still gives us strength and courage.”
Pacer Shoriful Islam quoted the iconic line from the immortal song associated with the day: “‘My brothers’ blood-stained 21 February, can I ever forget?’ Humble tribute to the language martyrs.” Fellow cricketer Rubel Hossain also paid his respects.
