I have already read various discussions about the book 'Thar: The Language of the Gipsy People'. This book became an exceptional book of our time in terms of research, content, presentation, cover and outlook.    I would like to start with a quote from Professor Maggie Tallerman [author of Language Origins : Perspective and Evolution] of Newcastle University. She said, "Humans are the only species which has developed complex spoken and written language, because of the communicative languages we are different from other animals." There are thousands of languages in the world. Chinese Mandarin is spoken by 1 billion people. On the other hand, the number of language users of the Gipsy community is only about forty thousand. Author Habibur Rahman has worked on such a language which has no script. Again, the language does not belong to the Indo-European group, the world's largest language family.   This huge book of 368 pages has a total 22 chapters. The chapters are progressed according to the research methodology. At the very beginning, the author's fascination about the reputed linguist Chomsky emerges with certain clarity.  As the language of the Gipsy community is different, so is the language of the 'Rishi' or 'Mochi' community. However, the language of this scheduled class has nothing in common with the language of the Gipsy community. As the language has no script, some scholars have attempted to identify it as a sign language or 'uncivilized language'. However, linguist Sukumar Sen says, 'Specific words (adopted from one or more languages) are used in a special sense to convey confidential information or to make others unable to be comprehended but necessary dialogues naturalized in public for dishonest purposes. Such use of language is called uncivilized labguage or Apartha-Bhasha.'     Another study unfolds the fact that the 'Bede' community was identified as suspicious during the British rule. Even today they are leaving behind the example of being involved in any criminal activities for the sake of livelihood.    Author Habibur Rahman says in the introduction of the book, that 'Traditionally, the life of the 'Bedes' are centered on boats. In the last few decades, due to rapid improvement of the overall communication system in the country and the reduction of the navigability of rivers and canals, their lifestyle has also been changing. The so-called talisman mantras and herbal medicine profession of the ancestors of the community is declining alarmingly with the development of modern medical methods and the wide spread of technology. As a result, most of these people are involved in various criminal activities and deteriorating the law and order situation in various areas. In order to earn a living, they have been joining into the drug trade.  The leave for Teknaf with the boxes of the snakes, and comes back with the bundles of Yaba drugs.'   When the author was serving as the Superintendent of Police in Dhaka district, he first noticed the issue and decided to change their criminal mindset gradually.   Many writers in Bengali literature have tried to portray this vulnerable community. Pallikobi Jasimuddin wrote the play 'Beder Meye'. Poet Nazrul wrote some noteworthy songs on this tribe. Tarashankar Banerjee wrote short story 'Bedeni'. Tozammel Haque Bakul made a feature film 'Beder Meye Josna'. It is known as the most successful movie of all time in Bangladesh. Malkosh is one of the ragas in North Indian music genre. Some music researchers believe that this raga originated from the tunes of the Gipsy community.  We believe that the information included in the book of writer-researcher Habibur Rahman will play an extraordinary role in the study of this small ethnic group in the future. Not much work has been done in Bengali language on minority languages. Some work has been done on the Garos and Chakmas in the past. After reading the book, it seems that the author has given ideas and links to the future generations of scholars. The book has already received national and international recognitions. Like APJ Abdul Kalam Medal and International Mother Language Award-2023. The later award was presented by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  Habibur Rahman's book is a proof that one can be engaged in basic research while performing government duties. Author Habibur Rahman is currently Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). He is associated with various creative and innovative works too. Thanks to Panjeri Publications for publishing such a unique book. The cover of the book has been designed by Rajeev Raju. He has dedicated the book to his physician wife Dr. Wazed Shamsunnahar Disha and son Aftan Afif Abdullah.     At the end I will be happy to quote from poet Kamal Choudhury about the book : 'Habibur Rahman wrote the book following the participation observation method of research. When a researcher start researching on a specific subject, he has to come out from the shell and dares to enter inside. Habibur Rahman is successful showing his courage through unplugging the facts and documents.' The writer of this article is a lawyer of Supreme Court. Former Banker and the first initiator of filing case against the killers of Bangabondhu

The 1952 Language Movement was by any definition a mass movement, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman acted as the torchbearer of the movement. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was among the limited number of student leaders who had a significant impact on transforming the movement into a widespread movement, with the goal of making it inclusive and establishing Bangla as one of the official languages of Pakistan at that time. The language movement is a significant event in the history of the Bengali people. It can be said that the seeds of independence were hidden in the language movement. The Tamuddin Majlis, established on September 1, 1947, played a significant role in the language movement. Student leader Sheikh Mujib participated in the activities of Tamuddin Majlis. When the Rashtrabhasha Sangram Parishad was established in 1947, Bangabandhu undertook several actions to get connected with this council. He gathered signatures to designate Bangla as the official language of the state. The East Pakistan Muslim Student League was founded on January 4, 1948. The primary instigator of this was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The leaders and members of the East Pakistan Muslim Chhatra League, led by Bangabandhu, played a crucial role in the Language Movement. Bangabandhu and some of his fellows were detained during a protest during the strike organized by Sangram Parishad on March 11, 1948, to oppose the plot against Bangla. Amidst a powerful student protest, they were released on March 15. After being released, Sangram Parishad organized a public gathering. Bangabandhu led the rally, which was assaulted by the police. In response to the incident, Bangabandhu promptly declared a nationwide student strike on March 17th. Actually, the movement to make Bangla one of the state languages of Pakistan gained momentum on March 21, 1948. This happened when Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, made a declaration at a public meeting held at the Race Course Maidan, now known as Suhrawardy Uddan. He stated that Urdu and only Urdu would be the state language of Pakistan. This statement by Mr. Jinnah was met with opposition, and a few students from Dhaka University immediately responded with a firm "NO". Protesting the government's backward action regarding this reasonable and fair request of the people of East Pakistan, a walkout took place on February 26, 1948, and the students of Dhaka University and other educational institutions marched through the main streets of Dhaka city. Following the successful strike, an afternoon gathering took place, which was then followed by a large march. Prof. Abul Kashem chaired the gathering, while Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the large rally. Student representatives and certain educators from Dhaka University spoke at the gathering, emphasizing their strong commitment to persist in their comprehensive endeavors to ensure the success of the campaign. The members of several socio-cultural-political groups who later participated in the Language Movement attended a conference in Fazlul Hauq Hall. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Shamsul Huq, Oli Ahad, Mohammad Toha, Abul Kashem, Ranesh Das Gupta, and Ajit Guha were notable student leaders who participated in the gathering. The gathering resolved to intensify efforts against the government's activities that undermine language, leading to the formation of an All-Party Action Committee to bolster the cause. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman played a major role in expanding the movement into a popular movement to enhance its effectiveness, inclusiveness, and success. Later, student leaders were arrested. The apprehensions of the student leaders further escalated the uprising. Several protest gatherings took place at Dhaka University and various educational institutes. All the speakers at these protest meetings expressed their strong commitment to continuing the movement, even if the student leaders who were detained were not there. This sends a clear message to the government that the detention of the student leaders will not weaken the movement in any way. Consequently, the government had to set free all the student leaders. A large gathering of the student organization took place on March 16, 1948, with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the chair. The meeting made several decisive choices to compel the administration to embrace their demand promptly. The meeting took a number of bold decisions to force the government to accept their demand without further delay. According to the diary of Tajuddin Ahmed, one of the active participants of the Language Movement who later became Prime Minister of the Mujibnagar government, “After the meeting, a student procession went to Khawaja Nazimuddin with a representation containing their demands, and the procession was led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman." According to some sources, the student leaders were able to convince Khawaja Nazimuddin to accept their demand, and he agreed to send a recommendation to the central government in favor of the demand of the students. But the central government instantly turned down the recommendation of Khawaja Nazimuddin. On January 26, 1952, Khawaja Nazimuddin once again announced that Urdu would be the official language of Pakistan. While in jail, Bangabandhu requested Sangram Parishad designate February 21st as a day to demand the release of political prisoners and recognize Bangla as the official language. He initiated a period of fasting on February 14, 1952. Mujib tirelessly fought from the beginning to mobilize the young people, creating the Language Movement as a widespread uprising.   Article credit:  Md. Jony Miah Lecturer Department of English Noakhali Science & Technology University

21 February is the International Mother Language Day . The day is observed as National Martyr's day since 1952. UNESCO declared 21st February as International Mother Language Day by on November 17, 1999. The whole nation observe the day remembering the supreme sacrifice of the language martyrs, the brave sons of the country for upholding the dignity of mother tongue Bangla. The plot of the language  movement begins when the then governor of pakistan,  Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on 21 March 1948 declared at a public meeting that ''Urdu and  Urdu will be the state language of Pakistan.'' The student community instantly denied his proposal saying 'no' and thus the struggle begins. On February 21, 1952, students alone with the common people of Dhaka marched in the streets to protest. To protect mother tongue, Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Shafiq and Jabbar sacrificed their lives. The homage to the language martyrs began with placing of flowers at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of 21st February. The program 'Prabhat Feri' starts in the morning to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the rights of Bangla language.  Language martyrs are remembered with respect in various events throughout the day.

Films are the biggest promoters of a culture or a place, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said after launching the trailer of the “first ever” movie in Tagin language of his home state Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday. He said the film “Love in 90s” will be tax free and that he will ask the state government to promote it through other means as well. The film looks at displaying the culture of the Tagin community before the whole country and the world, Rijiju said while urging people to watch it. Reminiscing about the 90s, the law minister said, “Life was very beautiful in those days. The young generation will enjoy the movie, but people from 90s who experienced love in those days will feel it.” He added that the National Institute of Film and Television coming up at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh will promote the art and culture of the region. Director of the film, Tapen Natam, said he felt proud to be able to come from one of the remotest corners of the country to the national capital, and release the trailer of his movie thanks to Rijiju’s help. Source: eastmojo.com

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today conferred ‘Ekushey Padak 2023’ to 19 eminent personalities and two organizations in recognition of their contributions to various fields. She handed over the 'Ekushey Padak', the country’s second highest civilian award, at a ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The Cultural Affairs Ministry organised the event on the occasion of International Mother Language Day. Among the award recipients, Khaleda Manzoor-e Khuda, freedom fighter AKM Shamsul Haque (posthumous), and Haji Mohammad Majibor Rahman received the award for their roles in the Language Movement. Masud Ali Khan and Shimul Yusuf received the prestigious award for their contributions in acting, while Manoranjan Ghoshal, Gazi Abdul Hakim and Fazal-e-Khuda (posthumous) for music, Jayanto Chattopadhyay for recitation, Nawazish Ali Khan for 'Shilpakala' (arts), and Kanak Chanpa Chakma for painting. Besides, Momtaz Uddin (posthumously) was given the award in the Liberation War category, Md Shah Alamgir (posthumously) in journalism, Dr Md Abdul Majid in research, Professor Dr Mazharul Islam (posthumously) in education, Saidul Haque in social service, Advocate Manjurul Islam (posthumously) and Akhter Uddin Mia (posthumously) in politics, and Dr Maniruzzaman in language and literature. Bangladesh National Museum received the award in the category of education and 'Bidyanondo Foundation' in social service. Each awardee received a gold medal, a replica of medal, a certificate of honour, and a cheque worth four lakh taka. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid chaired the award giving ceremony, while Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain conducted it and read out the citations of the award recipients. Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Abul Monsur delivered the welcome address. The 'Ekushey Padak' was introduced in the memory of the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

The nation is set to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' (Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day on Tuesday with due respect. People from all walks of life will pay glowing tributes to the memories of the language movement martyrs, the valiant sons of the soil who made supreme sacrifice to establish the rights of the mother tongue, Bangla, in 1952. The day will also be observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the 'February 21 (Ekushey February)' as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. The government has already taken extensive programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the nation to pay respect to language martyrs by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar, Dhaka. Both the president and the premier will issue separate messages paying rich tributes to those who embraced martyrdom on the day. The day is a public holiday. In observance of the day, the Central Shaheed Minar premises is being decorated with paintings, graffiti, buntings and selected verses on the mother language. Tight security measures have been enforced around the main altar of the Shaheed Minar, its adjoining areas and Azimpur graveyard of the language martyrs. Different political-social-cultural-professional organizations, including the ruling Awami League, have taken various programmes such as seminars and cultural functions, to observe the Amar (immortal) Ekushey in a befitting manner. The Cultural Affairs Ministry has drawn up an elaborate programme to observe the day at national level. The programme was finalized following an inter-ministerial meeting recently with State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid in the chair. The national flags will be kept half-mast in a proper manner having accurate size at all the buildings of government, semi-government, autonomous and private organisations and educational institutions. In line with the national programmes, all educational institutions, local government bodies, district and upazila administrations, Bangladesh missions abroad will take proper measures to observe the day. Special prayers will be arranged at all worship places across the country seeking eternal peace of the language martyrs. Proper measures will be taken to strengthen the security system in and around all the venues, including the Central Shaheed Minar, and Dhaka University campus adjoining areas. Public and private mass media will take necessary measures to carry out awareness programmes on pronouncing names of language martyrs properly, protecting significance of the 'Shaheed Dibash', upholding the dignity of Shaheed Minar and placing wreaths at Shaheed Minar in a disciplined manner. The newspapers will publish special supplements. Bangladesh missions abroad will organize different programmes, including placing wreaths at Shaheed Minar, discussions on Bangabandhu and Language Movement, and book and photo exhibitions where diplomats of different countries and Bangladeshi expatriates will join. Besides, messages of the president, the prime minister, foreign minister, state minister for foreign affairs and state minister for cultural affairs also will be read out at the missions. Mass Communication Department will stage mobile musical function on streets through trucks and on waterways in Dhaka city's surrounding areas through water vessels and films and documentaries will be screened at district and upazila levels. The Department of Films and Publications will publish three types of posters, marking the Amar Ekushey. Marking the day, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Kabi Nazrul Institute, National Book Centre, Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh National Museum, Department of Archaeology, Department of Public Libraries, International Mother Language Institute, Department of Archives and Library, Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Small Ethnic Groups Cultural Institute, three districts in hill tracts, Tribal Cultural Academy in Birishiri of Netrokona, Rajshahi Divisional Ethnic Minority Cultural Academy (RDEMCA), Manipuri Lalitkala Academy, Cox's Bazar Cultural Centre and other organizations and institutions will organize book fairs, discussions, seminars, symposiums, poem recitation, drawing and hand writing competitions and screen documentaries. Children, students, senior citizens and the children with special needs could visit the National Museum and its affiliated branch museums and all the archeological sites and museums under the Department of Archaeology free of cost. The Awami League has drawn up elaborate programmes to observe the Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner. To mark the day, national and party flags will be kept half-mast and black flags will be hoisted atop of the AL's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue and Bangabandhu Bhaban and other unit offices of the party across the country.

Due to its extensive reach, reasonable tuition rates, availability of study materials, and enrollment of students not only in India but also internationally, IGNOU, known as the people’s university, is in a unique position to support and promote Indian languages. As a means of igniting the creative spirit, NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of Indian art, culture, and language and envisions and stresses that doing so will improve comprehension. Multilingualism is increasingly sought after in the global marketplace and international institutions are establishing mother tongue programmes. It is therefore in the fitness of things that IGNOU has designed and developed a number of programmes and courses which have this concept at their core. The School of Humanities offers programmes in four disciplines: Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu and English. In addition to these disciplines, the School has an elective basket of Modern Indian Languages on offer to undergraduates: Malayalam, Marathi, Odiya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Assamese, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Manipuri and Nepali. Each of these is a 6-credit course and is a compulsory component of the BA programme wherein learners opt for a language course of their choice. These courses touch upon the linguistic features of the language concerned, the history and culture associated with it, various genres of writing and some landmark pieces of literature. The Centre for Modern Indian Languages (CMIL) has been established in the School with the purpose of conducting seminars, lectures, panel discussions, readings etc, inviting scholars and experts from various languages to speak about the literature, culture, films, music and history of their language. This has been done keeping in mind the priceless treasure and legacy that each region and language have to offer to the country. While there were Foundation courses in the Bachelor’s Degree Programme (BDP) earlier, it is for the first time that Modern Indian Language Kashmiri has been put on offer. It is due to the continuous support of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Nageshwar Rao and the efforts of the then Director of the School of Humanities, Prof Malati Mathur, that it has been possible to offer such a vibrant bouquet of languages to the students of BA General (BAG) first year. From the printed study materials, IGNOU study materials are also available on the university digital repository eGyanKosh and IGNOU E-content Mobile App which virtually takes it to the doorstep of the learners, no matter where they are situated in the world, informed Dr Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar, Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar.  Source: ANI

Though adopting English as a medium of communication has greatly helped India thrive globally, increasing success rates of vernacular medium students in the country have highlighted the importance of acquiring knowledge through mother tongues. India, with over 20 separate official languages, and hundreds of unofficial languages, is extremely linguistically diverse. Indians are extremely proud of their mother tongues, and their usage has helped in strengthening cultural identities throughout the country. Though adopting English as a medium of communication has greatly helped India thrive globally, increasing success rates of vernacular medium students in the country have highlighted the importance of acquiring knowledge through mother tongues. Moreover, research has also shown that when concepts are explained using familiar words and phrases, it leads to improved interpretation. Former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has promoted the teaching of science to children in their local languages. Further, the New Education Policy of India has emphasized education in local languages for primary classes. As mobile broadband data has now become affordable, more Indians have access to the internet. According to Google's 2020 report on India, about 85 per cent of online video viewers in the country prefer content in Indian languages. Therefore, the demand for content in local languages is increasing day by day. Google also claims that the number of internet users browsing in Indian languages is expected to reach 536 million over the next four years. Clearly aware of the trend, the Indian government and various ed-tech platforms are planning to use the range of linguistic diversity in the innovation space. Tracking the interests of multilingual viewers, ed-tech platforms are planning to design their content in multiple languages, such as Hindi, Tamil and Bengali. Regarding higher education and research, science, technology, and medicine are increasingly being taught in local Indian languages. Recently, a medical curriculum in Hindi was launched in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The decision came as a boon for many Hindi speakers who had aspired to enter the medical profession but who previously felt excluded from doing so. "Learning a regional language helps one to think and research broadly. Students studying in a regional language can do research better instead of being bookish from an exam point of view. ", says educationalist Jayprakash Gandhi. The ongoing experiments of adopting tribal language as a medium of instruction in several states in India is also a large step towards eliminating the language block in learning. The new India believes that language should not be a barrier, but instead, a facilitator in acquiring knowledge, and the steps being taken to promote regional languages are allowing more of India's citizens to take advantage of the country's competitive education programs. 

The supreme sacrifice of the language heroes on this day, 70 years back, is being remembered as people are paying glowing tributes to 1952 language martyrs by placing wreaths at the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar at midnight tonight maintaining health guidelines.   On behalf of the President and the Prime Minister, President's Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam and Prime Minister's Military Secretary Major General Naquib Ahmed Chowdhury placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past zero hours.   The immortal song on Amar Ekushey--"Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February"- was playing on the loudspeaker on the occasion.   Later, sergeant-at-arms on behalf of Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Awami League Presidium Member Matia Chowdhury, Nurul Islam Nahid, Shajahan Khan and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram on behalf of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu on behalf of Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begun Rowshan Ershad placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar.   Among others, AL Joint-General Secretary Dr. Dipu Moni and Dr. Hassan Mahmud, Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, Secretary of Forestry and Environmental Affairs Delwar Hossain and Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan also paid homage to the language movement martyrs.   Chiefs of three services, ambassadors, high Commissioners, chief of deferent international organizations, attorney general, diplomats, freedom fighters and high civil and military officials also placed wreathes on the occasion.   People representing different political and other organisations then thronged the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar to offer their floral tributes maintaining health guidelines.   Later, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, Dhaka University Teachers' Association, war-wounded freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War, different political parties and socio-cultural organisations paid their homage.   Later on, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public when hundreds of people from all walks of life walked barefoot to it with flowers in hands and humming "Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February" to recall the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes on this day in 1952.  The day is also being observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the February 21 as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.   The government took extensive programmes to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' and the International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner.   President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages paying rice tributes to those who embraced martyrdom on the day.   Tight security was enforced around the main altar of the Shaheed Minar, its adjoining areas and Azimpur graveyard of the language martyrs.   Different political-social-cultural-professional organisations, including the ruling Awami League, also have taken various programmes such as seminars and cultural functions, to observe the Amar (immortal) Ekushey and International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner.   The Cultural Affairs Ministry has drawn up an elaborate programme to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' (Language Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day-2021 with solemn dignity.   Bangabandhu's special contribution to the language movement will be presented in various programmes on Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day in line with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.   National flags will be kept half-mast in a proper manner having accurate size at all the government, semi-government, autonomous and private organisations and educational institutions.   In line with the national programmes, all educational institutions, local government bodies, district and upazila administration, Bangladeshi missions abroad will take proper measures considering the COVID-19 situation to observe the day.   To mark the day, national and party flags will be kept half-mast and black flags will be hoisted atop at the AL's Bangabandhu Avenue central office and Bangabandhu Bhaban and other offices of the AL across the country at 6:30 am on Sunday.   Other programmes include wearing of black badges at 7am and later bringing out Provat Feri from south gate of New Market as a mark of respect to the Language Movement martyrs.    Considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation and following the proper hygiene rules, a maximum of 5 delegates from each organization and a maximum of 2 persons at the individual level are laying wreaths at the Shaheed Minar.   Basin and liquid soaps will be provided for hand washing purpose at all entrances of Shaheed Minar.   No one will be allowed to enter the Shaheed Minar premises without wearing a mask.   Key city points and crossings and intersections were decorated with festoons with inscription of Bangla letters. Source: BSS AH

The nation is set to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' (Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day tomorrow with due respect maintaining health guidelines. People from all walks of life will pay glowing tributes to the memories of language movement martyrs, the valiant sons of the soil who made supreme sacrifices to establish the rights of the mother tongue, Bangla, in 1952. The day will also be observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the 'February 21 (Ekushey February)' as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. The government has already taken extensive programmes to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' and the International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner. President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages paying rich tributes to those who embraced martyrdom on the day. The day is a public holiday. In observance of the day, the Central Shaheed Minar premises is being decorated with paintings, graffiti, buntings and selected verses on the mother language. Tight security measures have been enforced around the main altar of the Shaheed Minar, its adjoining areas and Azimpur graveyard of the language martyrs. Generally the president and the prime minister lead the nation to pay homage to the Language Movement heroes by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past zero hours. But due to COVID-19 pandemic, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not be at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay homage, instead of, their military secretaries will place wreaths on their behalf at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past zero hours. Different political-social-cultural-professional organizations, including the ruling Awami League, have taken various programmes such as seminars and cultural functions, to observe the Amar (immortal) Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner. The Cultural Affairs Ministry has drawn up an elaborate programme to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' (Language Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day-2022 with solemn dignity. The programme was finalized following an inter-ministerial meeting held on January 16 last with State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid in the chair. As per the programme, on the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his special contribution to the language movement will be projected in various programmes on the Martyrs' Day and the International Mother Language Day. The national flags will be kept at half-mast in a proper manner having accurate size at all the buildings of government, semi-government, autonomous and private organisations and educational institutions. In line with the national programmes, all educational institutions, local government bodies, district and upazila administration, Bangladesh missions abroad will take proper measures to observe the day, maintaining health guidelines considering the COVID-19 situation. Fateha and Qurankhwani will be offered at Azimpur graveyard and special prayers will be arranged at all worship places across the country seeking eternal peace of the language martyrs. Consulting with concerned people, Cultural Affairs Ministry and Dhaka University authorities will finalise programmes to be held at the Central Shaheed Minar on the day. Considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation and following the proper hygiene rules, a maximum of 5 delegates from each organization and a maximum of 2 persons at the individual level can lay wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. Basins and liquid soaps will be kept at all the entrances of the Shaheed Minar for washing hands. No one will be allowed to enter the Shaheed Minar premises without wearing a mask. Proper measures will be taken to strengthen the security system in and around all the venues, including the Central Shaheed Minar, and Dhaka University campus adjoining areas. On the occasion, road islands and other important places in the capital will be decorated with festoons inscribed with letters of different languages including Bangla. Public and private mass media will take necessary measures to carry out awareness programmes on pronouncing names of language martyrs properly, protecting significance of the Shaheed Dibash, upholding the dignity of Shaheed Minar and placing wreaths at Shaheed Minar in a disciplined manner. Marking the day, the newspapers will publish special supplements, especially highlighting the role of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Language Movement. Uninterrupted power and water supply will be ensured around the Central Shaheed Minar and its adjoining areas while required numbers of mobile toilets will be set up in the areas. Streets will be kept neat and clean and water will be sprayed on streets to control dust. In order to ensure emergency medical services, medical camps will be set up in the Shaheed Minar areas and a sufficient number of ambulances will be kept ready to this end. The Dhaka WASA will ensure supply of fresh water in the surrounding areas of the Shaheed Minar. Fire Service team will be kept ready with all necessary tools and equipment. Pragmatic steps will be taken to ensure paying homage to the martyrs properly at the Shaheed Minar, maintaining the tradition. Bangladesh missions abroad will organize different programmes, including playing wreaths at Shaheed Minar, discussions on Bangabandhu and Language Movement, and book and photo exhibitions where diplomats of different countries and Bangladeshi expatriates will join. Besides, messages of the president, the prime minister, foreign minister, state minister for foreign affairs and state minister for cultural affairs also will be read out at the missions. Mass Communication Department will stage mobile musical function on streets through trucks and on waterways at Dhaka city's surrounding areas through water vessels and films and documentaries will be screened at district and upazila levels. Department of Films and Publications will publish three types of posters- one for all, another for the children of schools and colleges and the last for the Bangladesh missions abroad and the foreign embassies in Dhaka. Marking the day, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Kabi Nazrul Institute, National Book Centre, Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh National Museum, Department of Archaeology, Department of Public Libraries, International Mother Language Institute, Department of Archives and Library, Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Small Ethnic Groups Cultural Institute, three districts in hill tracts, Tribal Cultural Academy in Birishiri of Netrokona, Rajshahi Divisional Ethnic Minority Cultural Academy (RDEMCA), Manipuri Lalitkala Academy, Cox's Bazar Cultural Centre and other organizations and institutions will organize book fairs, discussions, seminars, symposiums, poem recitation, drawing and hand writing competitions and screen documentaries. Besides, children, students, the elderly people and the children with special needs could visit the National Museum and its affiliated branch museums and all the archeological sites and museums under the Department of Archaeology free of cost. The Awami League has drawn up elaborate programmes to observe the Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner. To mark the day, national and party flags will be kept half-mast and black flags will be hoisted atop of the AL's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue and Bangabandhu Bhaban and other unit offices of the party across the country at 6:30 am on Monday. Other programmes include wearing of black badges at 7am and later bringing out Provat Feri from south gate of New Market as a mark of respect to the Language Movement martyrs. Awami League leaders and workers will pay homage to the language movement martyrs by placing wreaths at Azimpur graveyard in the morning. Later, they will also pay homage at the Central Shaheed Minar. Besides, a discussion will be held at the AL's Bangabandhu Avenue central office at 3:30pm on February 22 to mark the day. Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will chair the discussion through a videoconferencing from her official Ganabhaban residence here. Party's General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today urged all leaders and workers of the party, associate and like-minded bodies to observe the day in a befitting manner, maintaining the health guidelines. On February 21 in 1952, Salam, Rafique, Shafique, Jabbar and Barkat embraced martyrdom in police firing in front of the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) as they took to the street to intensify the campaign to establish Bangla as the state language of the then Pakistan, sowing the seeds of subsequent movements for the country's independence. They were killed as police opened fire on students, demonstrating under the All-Party Students Action Committee against conspiracies of Pakistani rulers to declare "Urdu" as the only state language. The movement for Bangla, however, did not stop and Pakistan government on February 29, 1956 was compelled to recognise Bangla as one of the state languages besides Urdu. The decision, however, could not stop the movement against repression and misrule of Pakistani government that subsequently led the Bangalee to the War of Independence and the emergence of Bangladesh. Source: BSS AH