RAJSHAHI, Feb 21, 2021 (BSS) – “Amar Ekushey and International Mother
Language Day-2021” was observed in the city as elsewhere in the country today
amid paying rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of
1952.
Various political parties, socio-cultural and volunteer organisations and
educational institutions observed the day with a renewed pledge for building
a happy, prosperous and non-communal Bangladesh.
Since early morning, thousands of people were seen on barefooted with
bunches of flowers progressing towards the nearby Shaheed Minars especially
those at Rajshahi College and Bhuban Mohan Park to pay their deep respect to
the languages movement heroes with singing “Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano
Ekushey February, Ami ki Bhulite Pari”.
Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and the district and police administration
also observed the day with elaborate programmes.
The programmes included placing of wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, hoisting
of national flags at half-mast in all public and private buildings and
mourning procession, discussion and cultural functions.
City Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton and Fazley Hossain Badsha, MP, placed
wreaths at the altar of the proposed Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past
zero hours while large number members of political, socio-cultural,
educational and volunteer organisations followed them.
Divisional Commissioner Dr Humayun Kabir, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Jalil,
Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Abu Kalam Siddique, Deputy
Inspector General of Police in Rajshahi Range Abdul Baten, Superintendent of
Police Masud Hossain and divisional and district level administrative
officials placed wreaths at the Court Shaheed Minar.
District Administration organised a discussion meeting, cultural function
and prize-giving ceremony with the theme of Ekushey’s Spirit in National life
at Shilpakala Academy this afternoon.
Divisional Commissioner Dr Humayun Kabir addressed the meeting as the chief
guest with Deputy Commissioner Abdul Jalil in the chair.
The day’s programmes also include Quran Khwani and discussion at the Imam
Training Academy, art competition at Shishu Academy and Shilpakala Academy,
serving improved diets to the inmates of hospitals, jails, safe homes and
baby homes and screening of documentary films on the Language Movement.
Meanwhile, Rajshahi University (RU), Rajshahi University of Engineering
and Technology (RUET), Rajshahi Medical University, Rajshahi Medical College
(RMC) and other educational institutions chalked out elaborate programmes
marking the day.
RU administration placed floral wreaths at its central Shaheed Minar
paying homage to the language martyrs. Vice-chancellor (VC) Professor Abdus
Sobhan, Pro-VCs Prof Ananda Kumar Shaha and Prof Chowdhury Jakaria, Treasurer
Prof Mustafizur Rahman and Registrar Prof Abdus Salam were present, among
others, on the occasion.