DHAKA, Feb 21, (V7N) - The nation today observed Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day with solemnity and renewed nationalistic spirit, paying homage to the heroes of the 1952 Language Movement.

From midnight, people from all walks of life—students, professionals, officials, and members of social, cultural, and political organizations—lined up barefoot in traditional white and black attire to place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar.

At the zero hour, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tributes, marking the premier’s first official homage as head of government. Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman and leaders of the 11-party alliance also joined, marking Jamaat’s first formal participation at the central Shaheed Minar.

Tributes were paid by chiefs of the three services, diplomats, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, political parties including BNP, NCP, Jatiya Party, Jasad, CPB, and student organizations such as DACSU, Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Union, and Chhatra Front.

Special prayers were offered in mosques, temples, churches, and other places of worship. Cultural programs, mobile concerts, and screenings of films on the Language Movement were held nationwide. Bangladesh missions abroad also observed the day.

Prime Minister Rahman released a commemorative postage stamp, envelope, and canceller to mark the occasion.

This year marks the 74th anniversary of the Language Movement, which culminated in the recognition of Bangla as a state language in 1956 and sowed the seeds of Bangladesh’s independence.

END/AJ/RH