The nation paid homage to the Language Movement martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar at midnight and throughout Saturday as Bangladesh observed Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day with solemnity. Dressed largely in the traditional black-and-white attire of Ekushey February, mourners stood in long queues and walked barefoot to the Shaheed Minar to pay their respects. After the president, prime minister and other dignitaries paid their respects, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public. In a notable first, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami formally paid its respects at the Central Shaheed Minar this year. February 21 was first observed globally as International Mother Language Day in 2000.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 21, 2026 13:48 UTC