Central Shaheed Minar ready for Language Martyrs’ Day

The Central Shaheed Minar is abuzz with last-minute preparations as the country gears up to observe Shaheed Dibosh and International Mother Language Day on February 21. 

Authorities have deployed around 8,500 police personnel to ensure tight security across the University of Dhaka campus and surrounding areas.

A visit to the monument on Friday night showed that cleaning, washing and painting work was nearing completion. The main pillars have been freshly whitewashed, while the altar and other sections have been painted red.

Immortal slogans and verses now adorn the adjacent walls, including: “Amar bhaier rokte rangano Ekushey February / Ami ki bhulite pari” (My brother’s blood-stained 21 February / Can I ever forget); “Matribhashay jahar shraddha nai, se manush nohe” (Those without respect for their mother tongue are not human) and “Ekush mane matha noto na kora” (Ekush means never bowing down).

Saifuddin Ahmed, proctor of Dhaka University and member secretary of Amar Ekushey Central Coordination Committee, said preparations were almost complete, with only some auxiliary arrangements still underway.

He added that security measures have been significantly strengthened compared to last year. “Around 8,500 police members will be on duty. Comprehensive arrangements have been made to avoid any shortcomings,” he said.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has established a three-tier security cordon around the Shaheed Minar area to ensure the safety of those coming to lay wreaths. Adequate CCTV cameras have been installed at sensitive locations, officials said.

RAB also confirmed that bomb disposal units and striking forces will remain on round-the-clock duty at Shaheed Minar and Azimpur graveyard areas to ensure security for the president, prime minister, opposition leader, cabinet members and foreign guests during the observances.

The heightened security underscores the significance of the day, which commemorates the martyrs of 1952 Language Movement who sacrificed their lives demanding recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan.

Thousands of people from all walks of life are expected to visit the monument barefoot at dawn to pay homage, continuing a decades-old tradition that has become a defining element of Bengali cultural identity.

Designed by sculptor Hamidur Rahman, the monument stands as a powerful symbol of the Bengali people’s struggle for linguistic and cultural rights; an movement that ultimately contributed to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.

NRE/SH