DHAKA, Feb 12, 2023 (BSS) - The Cultural Affairs Ministry has drawn up an elaborate programme to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' (Language Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day-2023 on February 21 in a befitting manner.

The programme was finalized following an inter-ministerial meeting held recently with State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid in the chair, said an official handout here today.

As per the programme, on the occasion, the national flag, having accurate size, will be kept at half-mast in a proper manner at all the buildings of government, semi-government, autonomous and private organisations and educational institutions.

Glowing tributes will be paid to the Language Movement martyrs by placing floral wreaths at all the Shaheed Minars across the country at one minute past zero hours on the day. The day will begin with placing of floral wreaths by the President and the Prime Minister at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay homage to the martyrs. 

Necessary steps will be taken so that the people from all strata can pay their tributes to the martyrs in person at the Shaheed Minars following the previous traditions. 

In line with the national programmes, all educational institutions, local government bodies, district and upazila administration, Bangladesh missions abroad will take proper measures to observe the day, maintaining the proper health guidelines.

Special instruction has been given to the concerned upazila administrations for engaging the ethnic minority people in observing the Ekushey programmes.

Offering Fateha and Qurankhwani will be held at Azimpur graveyard and special prayers will be arranged at all worship places across the country seeking eternal peace of language martyrs.

Consulting with concerned people, Cultural Affairs Ministry and Dhaka University authorities will finalise programmes to be held at the Central Shaheed Minar on the day.

Measures have been taken for strengthening security in the Shaheed Minar, Dhaka University and 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.

Mass media will take necessary measures to carry out awareness programmes on airing special programmes marking the Language Movement, pronouncing names of language martyrs properly, protecting the solemnity of the Shaheed Dibas, upholding the dignity of the Shaheed Minar and placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar in a disciplined manner.

Marking the day, newspapers will publish special supplements, especially highlighting the role of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Language Movement.

Bangladesh missions abroad will organize different programmes, including placing wreaths at Shaheed Minar, discussions on Bangabandhu and Language Movement, and book and photo exhibitions with the participation of the diplomats of different countries and Bangladeshi expatriates.

Besides, messages of the President, the Prime Minister, foreign minister, state minister for foreign affairs and state minister for cultural affairs also will be read out at the missions.

Mass Communication Department will stage mobile musical function on streets through trucks and along the waterways through water vessels in surrounding areas of the capital city. It will also organize mobile film screening at district and upazila levels.

Besides, the Department of Films and Publications will publish three types of posters, marking the Amar Ekushey.