Dhaka, Monday, February 21 (NSS): People of Bangladesh paid homage to the language martyrs with due respect and solemnity Monday recalling their heroic role in establishing right to speak in mother language.
People from across the world joined the observance as UNESCO in 1999 announced February 21 as International Mother Language Day commemorating the supreme sacrifices of Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Shafiq, Jabbar and many others in 1952.
Thousands of barefoot people wearing black badges in the melancholic chorus of "Amar bhaiyer rakte rangano Ekushey February, ami ki bhulite pari," walked down to the Central Shaheed Minar and placed wreaths since the small hours.
President prof Iajuddin Ahmed led the nation in paying rich tributes to the martyrs. As the clock ticked one minute past zero hours, he placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, which was brought under an unprecedented security blanket.
He stood there in solemn silence.
Soon, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia followed him. Ministers and State Ministers accompanied her.
Then Speaker barrister Jamiruddin Sircar and Deputy Speaker Akhtar Hamid Siddiqui, Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Shahta Zarab and Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof. SMA Faiz placed wreaths.
Opposition Leader and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by her party leaders, placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar in the small hours.
After Sheikh Hasina left the Minar premises, people from all walks of life in long queue started placing wreaths.
People continued to place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar all over the night and morning. They also visited the mazars of the martyrs at Azimpur.
Over 7,000 security personnel guarded the Minar premises and university roads leading to the memorial.
Different political parties, socio-cultural and student organisations, professional bodies placed wreaths at the foot of the Shaheed Minar. Many also came along with their families. (End/si)
