Students from various educational institutions took part in a Provat Feri (dawn procession) marking Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, singing the immortal song “Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February, ami ki bhulite pari” with deep reverence.
As the first light of day broke, students walked barefoot in orderly lines toward the Cox’s Bazar Central Shaheed Minar, carrying flowers and banners. The city streets echoed with slogans such as “We will not let the martyrs’ blood go in vain” and “We are committed to upholding the dignity of our mother tongue.” People from different walks of life joined in solidarity with the students.
Upon reaching the Shaheed Minar, participants placed floral wreaths in heartfelt tribute to the language martyrs.
Earlier, at the first hour of the day, wreaths were laid on behalf of the state in the presence of Cox’s Bazar-3 Member of Parliament Lutfur Rahman Kajol, Deputy Commissioner Md. Abul Mannan, Superintendent of Police, A.N.M. Sajedur Rahman, and other key administrative and political figures of the district.
Subsequently, representatives from government offices, political, social, and cultural organisations, educational institutions, and members of the public placed wreaths one after another in remembrance of the martyrs.
Deputy Commissioner, Md. Abul Mannan said that a series of programmes had been held throughout the day to honour the martyrs’ sacrifice and observe the day with due dignity. These include dawn processions, discussion meetings, drawing competitions, poetry recitations, and cultural events.
Inspired by the spirit of Ekushey, the spontaneous participation of the younger generation in the dawn procession has made the Language Movement’s history more vivid and meaningful to today’s youth.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
