Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has paid profound respect to the heroes of the 1952 Language Movement to mark Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day.
The prime minister arrived at the Central Shaheed Minar premises at 12:04am.
He proceeded towards the monument’s altar at a slow pace as the immortal song of the day, “Amar Vaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February . . . Ami Ki Bhulite Pari?”, was played. At 12:08am, Tarique paid his homage by placing a floral wreath at the Shaheed Minar.
Following the wreath-laying, Tarique Rahman – who is also the chairman of the ruling BNP – stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of deep respect for the memories of the Language Movement martyrs.
Accompanying him during the tribute were his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman. They stood in solemn silence at the altar of the monument as part of the official state observance.
A special prayer was subsequently offered, seeking forgiveness for the souls of those who died in the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 anti-autocracy movement, and the 2024 July Uprising.
Divine blessings were also sought during the prayer for Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman and former three-time prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The supplication sought the welfare of the country and the success of the incumbent government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Later, Tarique, flanked by members of the cabinet and the BNP Standing Committee, placed two additional wreaths at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of the cabinet and the party. He also laid another wreath at the monument alongside his family members.
Prior to the prime minister’s arrival, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement by placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past midnight.
Tributes were also paid by the heads of the three services: Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan
Additionally, opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, accompanied by leaders of the 11-party alliance, paid homage by placing a floral wreath at the monument.
Other dignitaries and organisations paying their respects included Ambassadors and High Commissioners from various nations, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Tributes were also offered by the acting Attorney General, the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC), Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), the University Grants Commission (UGC), Fire Service and Civil Defence, Dhaka University (DU) authorities, Bangladesh Police, Bangla Academy, and the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU).
Following the official ceremonies, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public.
Hundreds of people from all walks of life, walking barefoot and carrying flowers, arrived at the altar while humming “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of the 1952 language heroes.
