President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement to mark Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day this year.
He urged the nation to be more “mindful” in the correct use of the mother tongue and to preserve its dignity.
In a message marking the historic day, the president expressed his deepest respects to Rafiq, Salam, Barkat, Jabbar, Shafiur, and the unnamed heroes who sacrificed their lives to establish Bangla as a state language.
“The historic Language Movement stands as a glorious chapter in the history of our emergence,” the president said, noting that the struggle was born from the unjust attempt by the then-ruling authorities to impose Urdu as the sole state language following the 1947 Partition.
He emphasised that the movement was a struggle to safeguard national identity and cultural uniqueness, providing the “boundless inspiration” for the eventual War of Independence.
Highlighting the global significance of the day, President Shahabuddin noted that the 1999 international recognition of Martyrs’ Day remains a point of “profound pride” for Bangladesh.
He stated, “Today, the spirit of Ekushey continues to serve as a constant source of inspiration for people across the world in safeguarding their own languages and cultures.”.
The president underscored that as Bangla was earned through “immeasurable sacrifice,” it is a national duty to preserve its quality and dignity.
However, he also stressed the importance of global integration, stating that the nation must develop proficiency in internationally recognised languages alongside Bangla to progress in harmony with the “advanced world”.
Concluding his message, the president expressed his earnest hope that the spirit of February 21 would foster mutual respect among different cultures and ensure the welfare of the country.
“I am confident that the observance of International Mother Language Day will contribute meaningfully to build a prosperous nation while shaping a sustainable future,” he added.
