DHAKA, Feb 18, 2021 (BSS) – 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 to be held on February 21 in a befitting manner.
The programme was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting on January 18 last with State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid in the chair, according to a Press Information Department (PID) handout received here today.
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.
Offering Fateha and Qurankhwani will be held at Azimpur graveyard and special prayers will be arranged at all worship places across the country seeking eternal peace of language martyrs.
Cultural Affairs Ministry and Dhaka University authorities will finalise concerned programmes at the Central Shaheed Minar maintaining proper health guidelines amid COVID-19 situation.
Stringent security measures have been taken in and around the Central Shaheed Minar and Dhaka University campus.
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.
Basin and liquid soap 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 will be decorated with festoons with inscription of Bangla letters.
Public and private television channels and newspapers will take measures to publicize consciousness raisings programmes and reports to pronounce names of language martyrs properly, keep significance of the Shaheed Dibash, keep intact the dignity of Shaheed Minar and pay homage at Shaheed Minar in a disciplined manner.
The role of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Language Movement will be projected in a special way in supplements of newspapers.
Uninterrupted power and water supply will be ensured at the surroundings of the Central Shaheed Minar and necessary mobile toilets will be set up.
Streets will be kept neat and clean and water will be sprayed at streets to keep dust controlled and medical camp will also be operated in the Shaheed Minar areas.
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 Bangladesh Red Crescent Society will arrange the ‘disinfection’ programme and set up a ‘first aid booth’ to combat COVID-19 through volunteers across the country, including Dhaka.
Pragmatic steps will be taken to ensure that everyone, including the head of state and the head of government maintains the tradition of the past and pays homage to the martyrs by attending the Shaheed Minar.
Mass Communication Department will stage mobile musical function on streets through trucks and on waterways at Dhaka city’s surrounding areas through water vessels, films and documentaries will be screened at district and upazila levels, Department of Films and Publications will print three types of posters.
Besides, 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, Bangladeshi Shishu Academy, Small Ethnic Groups Cultural Institute, three districts in hill tracts, Cox’s Bazar Cultural Centre and other organizations and institutions will arrange seminars, discussions, symposiums, poem recitation, drawing and essay competitions.
Besides, arrangements will be made to visit the National Museum and its affiliated branch museums and all the archeological sites and museums of the Department of Archaeology for children, youth, students, the elderly people and autistic children without tickets.