Tarique pledges to unite democratic journey on Ekushey
Staff Reporter :
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called upon all concerned to work collectively to uphold and protect the dignity of languages worldwide, marking the Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day to be observed today (Saturday).
In a message issued on the eve of the day, the prime minister extended heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to all linguistic communities across the globe, including speakers of Bangla.
He paid profound tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, whose supreme sacrifice secured the rightful status and dignity of Bangla as the mother tongue.
Recalling the historic significance of Ekushey February, Tarique Rahman said the day stands as an indelible chapter in the nation’s history.
On February 21, 1952, Abul Barkat, Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar and many others embraced martyrdom while demanding recognition of Bangla as a state language of the then Pakistan.
Their sacrifice, he said, marked the first decisive step toward the liberation of the then East Bengal from prolonged domination and oppression.
The Language Movement not only established the right to the mother tongue but also laid a strong foundation for national sovereignty based on democratic aspirations and cultural identity.
The historic path forged through the sacrifices of Ekushey ultimately culminated in independence through the Liberation War in 1971.
The prime minister noted that Bangla remains the principal vehicle of the nation’s identity and heritage.
In recognition of the profound sacrifice and enduring devotion to the mother language, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.
Emphasising the core ideals of Ekushey, he said they were rooted in the establishment of democratic values, protection of people’s rights and affirmation of equality.
Upholding that spirit through years of struggle, democracy has been re-established in the country, he added, reaffirming that the present government remains firmly committed to consolidating and advancing this democratic journey.
“We honour the Language Martyrs, the heroes of 1971, the brave souls of the 2024 mass uprising, and all who have sacrificed for democracy in our nation’s glorious history,” the prime minister said.
Calling for the preservation of linguistic diversity within the country, he urged all to safeguard the nation’s unique culture and heritage and ensure the proper use and cultivation of Bangla at all levels.
Praying for the eternal peace of all language martyrs, Tarique Rahman wished every success to the programmes undertaken to observe the Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day.