Govt takes elaborate programmes to observe Amar Ekushey

The government has taken extensive programmes to observe the ‘Shaheed Dibash’ and the International Mother Language Day on February 21.

On the day, the national flag will fly at half-mast in all educational institutions, government, semi-government and autonomous offices and private buildings across the country, an official release said.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the nation in paying homage to the Language Movement heroes by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past zero hours on Thursday.

Later, people from all strata, including ministers, advisors to the PM, diplomats and dignitaries, will also place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar.

In line with the national programmes, all educational institutions, all local government institutions, district and upazila administrations and Bangladesh missions abroad have already taken measures to observe the day in a befitting manner.

Quran Khwani and offering fateha will be held at Azimpur graveyard in the city while prayers will be arranged at all worship places across the country seeking salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs of the Language Movement.

Measures have been taken for strengthening security in the Shaheed Minar, Dhaka University, institutions involved in observing the day and surrounding areas.

Different road islands and important spots in the city will be decorated with festoons inscribed with Bangla alphabet.

Initiatives have been taken to ensure water supply and uninterrupted electricity at the Shaheed Minar and its adjoining areas and measures have been taken for setting up mobile toilets and medical camps for providing emergency healthcare services to people, who will come to pay homage to the Language Movement martyrs.

Various organizations and institutes, including Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Nazrul Institute, Jatiya Grantha Kendra, Islamic Foundation, National Museum, International Mother Language Institute, Directorate of Archives and Libraries and Shishu Academy, will observe the day across the country through different programmes.

The programme would include book fair, discussions, symposiums, recitation, essay writing competition and cultural functions.