RAJSHAHI, Feb 21, 2023 (BSS) - "Amar Ekushey and International Mother

Language Day-2023" was observed in the city as elsewhere in the country today
amid paying rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of
1952.

Various political parties, socio-cultural, professional and volunteer
organisations and educational institutions observed the day with a renewed
pledge for building a happy, prosperous and non-communal Bangladesh.

Since early morning, thousands of people were seen on barefooted with bunches
of flowers progressing towards the nearby Shaheed Minars especially those at
Rajshahi College and Bhuban Mohan Park to pay their deep respect to the
languages movement heroes with singing "Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey
February, Ami ki Bhulite Pari".

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and the district and police administration
also observed the day with elaborate programmes.

The programmes included placing of wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, hoisting of
national flags at half-mast in all public and private buildings and mourning
procession, discussion and cultural functions.

Local dignitaries and high civil and police officials placed wreaths at the
altar of the nearby Shaheed Minar at one minute past zero hours while large
number of members of the political, socio-cultural, educational and volunteer
organisations followed them.

Divisional Commissioner GSM Zafarullah, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Jalil,
Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Anisur Rahman, Deputy Inspector
General of Police in Rajshahi Range Abdul Baten, Superintendent of Police
Masud Hossain and divisional and district level administrative officials
placed wreaths at the Court Shaheed Minar.

The District Administration organised a discussion meeting, cultural function
and prize-giving ceremony with the theme of Ekushey's Spirit in National life
at Shilpakala Academy this noon.
 
Divisional Commissioner GSM Zafarullah addressed the meeting as the chief
guest with Deputy Commissioner Abdul Jalil in the chair.

The day's programmes also include Quran Khwani and discussion at the Imam
Training Academy, art competition at Shishu Academy and Shilpakala Academy,
serving improved diets to the inmates of hospitals, jails, safe homes and
baby homes and screening of documentary films on the Language Movement.
Meanwhile, Rajshahi University (RU), Rajshahi University of Engineering and
Technology (RUET), Rajshahi Medical University, Rajshahi Medical College
(RMC) and other educational institutions chalked out elaborate programmes
marking the day.

The RU administration placed floral wreaths at its central Shaheed Minar
paying homage to the language martyrs. Vice-chancellor (VC) Professor Golam
Sabbir Sattar, Pro-VCs Prof Sultan-Ul-Islam and Prof Humayun Kabir, Treasurer
Prof Obaidur Rahman Pramanik and Registrar Prof Abdus Salam were present,
among others, on the occasion.