Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has paid deep respect to the martyrs of 1952 Language Movement on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh.
In a message issued on Thursday, the prime minister extended his heartiest greetings to speakers of all languages and ethnic groups across the globe.
He recalled with profound respect the supreme sacrifices of Abul Barkat, Abdus Salam, Rafiquddin Ahmad, Abdul Jabbar, and many others who laid down their lives to establish the dignity of their mother tongue, Bengali.
The prime minister noted that the sacrifice of the martyrs paved the first step toward the liberation of the then East Bengal from centuries of exploitation and oppression.
He emphasised that the movement not only established linguistic rights but also fortified the foundations of Bengali self-determination, democracy, and cultural consciousness, which eventually led to the independence of Bangladesh through the 1971 Liberation War.
Highlighting the global significance of the day, Tarique mentioned that UNESCO’s recognition of 21 February as International Mother Language Day has turned the spirit of Ekushey into a worldwide movement for the protection of all languages.
He stated that the core essence of the movement – democratic values, equality, and people’s rights – has led to the restoration of democracy in the country after a long struggle.
“The current government is committed to consolidating this democratic progress,” Tarique said.
He expressed his vision to build a “self-reliant, safe, humane, and democratic state” by upholding the aspirations of the language martyrs, the martyrs of 1971, and those who fought in the 2024 war to protect independence.
The prime minister urged the international community and relevant stakeholders to work together to uphold the dignity of all languages globally. Domestically, he called for the preservation of existing linguistic diversity and traditional heritage, while ensuring the correct use and practice of the Bengali language at all levels.
He concluded his message by seeking the eternal peace and salvation of the departed souls of all language martyrs and wishing for the success of all programmes organised to observe the day.
