The atmosphere surrounding Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day has evolved alongside the country’s shifting political landscape.
Historically, 21 February drew vast crowds and was marked by a strong sense of cultural fervour. In 2025, under an interim government and amid political uncertainty, commemorations were more restrained and subdued.
With the return of an elected administration in 2026, the familiar scale and spirit of the day appear to have re-emerged, restoring much of its cultural vibrancy.
This year, state institutions and cultural organisations have announced a wide range of programmes to honour the Language Movement and pay tribute to the martyrs, including discussions on the Bengali language and culture, as well as performances of songs, poetry and other artistic events.
The observance of Ekushey begins just after midnight with the president and prime minister laying wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar. After the state tribute, people walk barefoot in silent procession, and the area soon fills with crowds from political, educational and cultural groups.
At dawn, the Provatferi moves towards the monument with songs, flowers and black badges, as poetry, music and street theatre honour the Language Movement.
In 2025, under the interim administration, arrangements were more restrained, security was tight, public participation was reduced, and the Sommilito Sanskritik Jote’s traditional extended cultural programme was absent.
Safia Begum, a woman in her sixties who had been offering flowers at midnight for last 13 years, did not attend last year. She said many people were afraid to go out due to fears of mob violence and harassment.
“Last year we were very afraid. People were being humiliated through mob actions based on accusations. But this year, since the observance is under an elected government, those of us who carry the spirit of ’52 and ’71 feel much more secure,” she told TIMES.
Preparations across the capital in 2026 have gathered renewed momentum, restoring a sense of anticipation around the observance. Streets have been cleaned, monuments illuminated and security plans reinforced, while cultural organisations have announced a wide range of programmes.
Officials expect large-scale overnight floral tributes, dawn processions and formal honours from state and military representatives, alongside participation by foreign diplomats.
Public discussions on the Language Movement, open-air performances and events involving children are set to give the day a distinctly multi-layered character.
Students from the Faculty of Fine Arts, central to shaping the visual atmosphere each year, say their enthusiasm has returned.
Mahfuz, a fourth-year student overseeing the designs at the Shaheed Minar, recalled that last year’s work was carried out amid uncertainty. Arrangements were limited, he said, and the usual sense of joy was absent. “We observed the day almost as a formality,” he added.
This year, he said, students are working with renewed energy to restore the creative spirit of the site.
Cultural groups are also preparing extensive programmes. The progressive organisation Udichi has scheduled group songs, recitations and performances at 9:30am outside the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, aimed at passing the legacy of the Language Movement to younger generations.
At 10:30am, Chhayanaut will host solo and choral songs, poetry readings and recitations at its auditorium, continuing a longstanding tradition of artistic tribute.
The International Mother Language Institute has announced a four-day programme to mark International Mother Language Day, bringing together linguists, researchers, teachers, artists and policymakers for seminars, cultural events and discussions on language preservation. Special sessions with international delegates are also planned.
The main event will be held at 2:30pm on Ekushey February in the presence of the education minister and the state minister. A language fair is scheduled to begin at 9:30am on 22 February.
The institute said the programme is intended not only to commemorate the day but also to open new conversations on linguistic diversity, language policy and the future of languages in the digital age.
Deputy Director Khilfat Jahan Jubairah said the government had shown strong interest in organising the events soon after taking office, and that ministerial participation reflected the importance the state attaches to the occasion.
At 11am on Ekushey February, the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium will host a discussion, award ceremony and cultural programme aimed at engaging children and teenagers, presenting the history of the Language Movement as a living cultural experience rather than a chapter in a textbook.
Another focal point each year is the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, traditionally held at the Bangla Academy premises and Suhrawardy Udyan. The grounds are typically crowded with visitors of all ages, and children’s activities add a festive dimension. This year, however, the fair will open on 25 February, meaning the usual bustle on 21 February is expected to be more subdued.
