Dhaka, Feb 21 (NationPress) Students, social activists, and political supporters gathered at the National Martyrs’ Monument within Bangladesh's Dhaka University on Saturday to lay floral tributes in honor of International Mother Language Day.

As part of the historic commemoration, attendees convened shortly after midnight and continued into the morning to pay respects to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. This solemn event reflected a profound respect for those who sacrificed their lives to defend the Bengali language.

A student remarked to IANS, “Even if one studies in an English-medium institution, it is crucial to learn and respect the Bengali language. Otherwise, the essence of the struggle for Bangla becomes meaningless.”

Student leader Maksoda Moni also honored the martyrs, stating, “Today is International Mother Language Day. On this day, we remember and pay tribute to all the language martyrs. It was on this day in 1952 that students and everyday citizens took to the streets demanding recognition for their mother tongue. Thanks to their sacrifice, we can proudly speak Bengali today.”

A social worker present at the event, Afrina Pervin, expressed her joy over the global acknowledgment of the day. “I feel proud and grateful that International Mother Language Day is now celebrated worldwide. I extend my deepest respect and admiration to the language martyrs who enabled this recognition,” she expressed.

A supporter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) echoed similar feelings. “I am proud to be part of this gathering as we mark the very first moments of February 21. This day is dedicated to our mother language. In 1952, students were killed by the Pakistani Army during protests against the imposition of Urdu as the sole state language. We are Bengali, our mothers are Bengali, and our mother tongue is Bengali. Their sacrifice will remain etched in our memories,” he stated.

International Mother Language Day, observed every year on February 21, emphasizes the significance of preserving linguistic diversity and fostering multilingual education. The theme for 2026 is 'Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,' which highlights the role of youth in protecting linguistic heritage.

The origins of this day date back to 1952 when students in Dhaka protested for the recognition of Bangla as a state language. These demonstrations turned tragic, leading to the deaths of numerous protesters — a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

In November 1999, UNESCO designated February 21 as International Mother Language Day, with the United Nations General Assembly endorsing the observance in 2002. Since then, this day has been celebrated globally to honor cultural diversity and raise awareness regarding the preservation of endangered languages.