Month Of Language Movement Starts

The commencement of the Language Movement month is marked today, honoring the courageous individuals who lost their lives in the language movement of February 1952.

This movement played a pivotal role in the country's quest for independence.

In 1948, the Pakistani government declared Urdu as the sole state language, sparking widespread protests among students in Dhaka University and other educational institutions in East Pakistan, transcending religious, caste, and creed boundaries.

The immense sacrifices made by figures like Salam, Barkat, Rafique, Shafiur, Jabbar, and others during a massive movement ultimately secured recognition for the Bengali language on February 21, 1952.

Despite February being a month of mourning, it stands as a source of pride for the nation, as Bengalis uniquely sacrificed their lives to establish their mother tongue as the state language.

February 21, known as Language Day, has gained international recognition as International Mother Language Day.

Throughout the month, various programs are organized, with the Amar Ekushey Book Fair traditionally commencing on February 1.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the fair as the chief guest at the Bangla Academy premises at 3 pm.

Additionally, the national poetry festival is set to begin tomorrow, originating in 1987 as a response to autocracy. Street dramas by Bangladesh Patho Natak Parishad will be staged at Central Shaheed Minar.

Cultural functions organized by Sammilita Sangskritik Jote and Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation will run from February 8 to February 21. Dhania Pathagar will also conduct word drawing activities for children.

Numerous social, political, and cultural organizations will observe the month through diverse programs.