Staff Reporter : Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day are being observed across the country with renewed spirit.
Following the much-anticipated 13th National Parliament election, a new context has emerged with the formation of a government led by BNP Chairmen Tarique Rahman after securing an absolute majority. In the post-mass-uprising atmosphere—free from fear and uncertainty—people from all walks of life are paying heartfelt tribute to the heroic Bengali sons who sacrificed their lives to uphold the dignity of their beloved mother tongue.
From the first hours of Amar Ekushey, the laying of wreaths began at every Shaheed Minar across the country and will continue throughout the day. Various other programmes are also being observed.
In Dhaka, President Md Shahabuddin was the first to pay tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar, followed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Later, members of the cabinet, Opposition Leader Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, leaders of other political parties, and DUCSU leaders paid their respects. The Prime Minister’s family also laid wreaths.
In Sylhet, from the first hours of Amar Ekushey, a stream of people from all walks of life gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to honour the language martyrs. At the time of filing this report, the tribute-laying was still ongoing.
Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Labour and Employment, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury also placed wreaths at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar.