The 21st February
The importance of the 21st February, in the political and national history of Bangladesh, is inevitable. The day has its importance because on this day some invaluable lives were laid down at the altar of the language movement of 1952. The day was the day of protesting against the declaration of ‘Urdu’ as the state language of then East Pakistan.
To observe the day people wake up at dawn to place their floral wrath on the Central Shahid Minar situated at the Dhaka University campus. People wear black badges. They sing patriotic songs like the song “Amar Bhaier Raktey Ranganoo Ekushey February Ami Ki Bhulite Pari” etc. These songs signify the love for the mother language and the sacrifice of the martyrs of the language movement.
They pay tribute to the patriots of the language movement in 1952. They express their respect to the martyrs by paying tribute to the departed souls. Bowing down their heads for a few minutes they pay their heartfelt gratitude and indebtedness to the martyrs. However, we are sure 21st February will continue to influence the people of Bangladesh.