Composition | Ekushe February/ The Shaheed Day
The 21st of February is a special day in Bangladesh. People call it Amar Ekushe. It is a day that inspires and energizes Bangladeshis. It is a day when they stand up against unfairness and unfair treatment. On this day, the government gives everyone a holiday. Every year, we observe this day in a suitable way.
On the 21st of February in 1952, our language heroes created history, making the day unforgettable. At that time, we were the majority in Pakistan. However, the people from West Pakistan controlled everything in the country. They knew very well that their control over the majority would not last long if they didn't suppress our language and literature. To make their plan work, they announced that only Urdu would be the official language of Pakistan. This announcement was a crime. At that time, the opposition in Pakistan was not very strong. The University of Dhaka has always been politically aware. The courageous students of the university took up the challenge. They opposed the announcement and started a movement, which is known as the Language Movement. On the 21st of February, 1952, the university students broke the law and held a protest march against the illegal and unjust announcement. The rulers of Pakistan wanted to crush the movement by force, but they failed. Salam, Jabbar, Barkat, Rafiq, Shafiq, and other unknown boys sacrificed their lives to establish the rights of our mother tongue. Moreover, Bangladeshi nationalism was born from the blood of these language heroes.
In recognition of the Language Movement of 1952, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the 21st of February as International Mother Language Day.
Ekushe February is a national day in Bangladesh, but it has also become an international day. The nation commemorates this day in a fitting manner. The national flag is flown at half-mast. Early in the morning, people walk in processions with bare feet. They visit the graves of the martyrs at Azimpur cemetery and offer prayers there. All news media, offices, institutions, political parties, associations, and so on, have their own programs to mark the day. The activities include seminars, cultural events, exhibitions, and competitions.
Ekushe February teaches us to stand against injustice and exploitation. It teaches us to love our country and our language. It helps us discover our true selves.