Photo:BSS

RAJSHAHI, Feb 21, 2025 (BSS) - Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day 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 discrimination-free happy and prosperous 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 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. 

Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation and Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Khandaker Azim Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Afiya Akhter, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Muhammad Abu Sufiyan, Deputy Inspector General of Police in Rajshahi Range Muhammad Shahjahan, Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam and divisional and district level administrative officials placed wreaths at the Collectorate building Shaheed Minar. 
 
The District Administration organised a discussion meeting titled "Jatiya Jiboney Ekusher Chetona", cultural function and prize-giving ceremony with the theme of Ekushey's Spirit in National life at Shilpakala Academy this noon.
 
Divisional Commissioner Khandaker Azim Ahmed addressed the meeting as the chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Afiya Akhter 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. 
Special prayers were offered after Jumma prayers in mosques apart from special prayers in temples and other religious worship.
 
The District Information Office conducted mobile music functions at different important places in addition to screening documentary film shows. 
 
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 wreaths at its central Shaheed Minar paying homage to the language martyrs. Vice-chancellor (VC) Professor Saleh Hassan Nazuib, Pro-VCs Prof Farid Uddin Khan and Prof Mayeen Uddin, Registrar Prof Iftikharul Alam Masood and Treasurer Prof Matiar Rahman, among others, were present on the occasion.