President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement, commemorating Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.
Both the Head of State and the Head of Government laid wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city shortly after midnight, marking the solemn occasion.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Shaheed Minar premises seven minutes before midnight, while President Shahabuddin reached the Central Shaheed Minar three minutes before the stroke of midnight.
In a measured pace, the President and the Premier proceeded together to the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar, accompanied by the iconic anthem of Amar Ekushey, “Amar Vaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February… Ami Ki Vulitey Pari?”
President Shahabuddin led by laying the first wreath, followed by the Prime Minister, and they stood in reverent silence, paying homage to the memories of the Language Heroes.
The occasion saw the presence of Speaker, ministers, advisers to the Prime Minister, parliament members, chiefs of the three services, senior Awami League leaders, freedom fighters, foreign diplomats, and high civil and military officials.
Following this, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of the ruling Bangladesh Awami League, placed another wreath at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of the party, accompanied by cabinet members and senior party leaders.
Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury also paid respects with wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar.
The President, upon arrival at the Shaheed Minar, was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor ASM Maksud Kamal.
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, GM Quader, also laid a wreath at the Shaheed Minar.
Later, the Shaheed Minar witnessed wreath-laying by chiefs of the three services, inspector general of police, ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of international organizations, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), war-wounded freedom fighters, and Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA).
Subsequently, the Shaheed Minar opened to the public, as hundreds walked barefoot with flowers, humming “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” to honor the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes in 1952.