National
Nationwide Pays Tribute to Language Movement Martyrs on Amar Ekushey
Bangladesh is observing ‘Amar Ekushey,’ commemorating the courageous martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, a crucial event that advocated for Bangla’s recognition as a state language. This day, also known as International Mother Language Day, highlights the nation’s dedication to preserving language and culture.
In a symbolic show of respect, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in tribute, laying floral wreaths at the Central Shahid Minar right after midnight. The Prime Minister arrived first, followed shortly by the President, greeted by Dhaka University’s Vice-chancellor, signifying a moment of unity under the echoes of the immortal song ‘Amar Bhai-er Rakte Rangano Ekushey February.’
The ceremony drew ministers, diplomats, military chiefs, and citizens, all paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives for linguistic freedom.
In a poignant display of solidarity, people from various walks of life walked barefoot to the monument, offering flowers while singing the movement’s anthem, reflecting the profound significance of the day.
The events of February 21, 1952, when Dhaka’s students and citizens protested Urdu’s imposition as the sole official language, marked a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s struggle for self-determination. The brutal police response resulted in the deaths of several protestors, galvanizing the nation towards eventual independence in 1971 under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership.
UNESCO’s recognition of Ekushey February as International Mother Language Day in 1999 further elevated its global significance, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural heritage worldwide.
On this day, the national flag is flown at half-mast, and black flags are hoisted across major buildings, with Bangladesh Missions abroad also participating in the observances.
Various organizations have organized seminars and cultural functions to observe the day’s essence. President Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Hasina released messages emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural respect, aligning with the spirit of Amar Ekushey.
As the nation reflects on its historical journey, the President and Prime Minister’s messages call for a renewed commitment to preserving the Bengali language and culture, fostering mutual respect among diverse linguistic and cultural groups. The observance through special media programs, educational seminars, and cultural events highlights Bangladesh’s enduring legacy of linguistic pride and cultural identity.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
