State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit has described February 21 as an unforgettable and unique day in the national life of the Bengali people, commemorating the ultimate sacrifice made for the mother tongue.
Speaking on Saturday at a programme held at Jashore Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall to mark Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day, Amit said, “February 21 is our pride, our consciousness. The Bengali nation is the only nation that has given life for its language.”
The state minister highlighted the historical significance of 1952 language movement, saying it set the stage for subsequent struggles in 1962, 1966, 1969, and 1971, ultimately leading to Bangladesh’s independence.
“Every movement begins at Shaheed Minar, which inspires courage in our struggles. UNESCO recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day in recognition of our sacrifices and love for our language. The spirit of Ekushey is now celebrated worldwide,” he said.
Amit also spoke about the government’s educational initiatives, mentioning plans to introduce a third language in addition to Bengali, English and Arabic at school level. “This could be Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese or any other language, enabling students to pursue higher education abroad,” he said.
The programme, presided over by Jashore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Asheq Hasan, featured speeches by Police Superintendent Syed Rafiqul Islam, Professor Md Mofazzel Hossain of Jashore Government Women’s College, Jashore BNP President Advocate Syed Saberul Haque Sabu and Jashore Press Club President Md Zahid Hasan Tuku.
Amit also distributed prizes to students who won competitions held in observance of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.
Earlier, the state minister distributed wheelchairs, dry food items and financial aid to 15 persons with special needs at Jashore DC office premises.
In the evening, he joined an Iftar gathering at Hotel Orion in Jashore, attended by media personnel and political figures.
SH
