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News Desk

The Daily Star

Publication Date : 22-02-2013

People around Bangladesh, including educational institutions and social, political and cultural organisations, observed the Amar Ekushey, Language Martyr's Day and International Mother Language Day on Thursday.

Flowers were offered at Shaheed Minars in memory of the 1952 Language Movement martyrs who, on February 21 that year, had given their lives demanding that Bangla be made one of the state languages of the then-Pakistan.

Thousands thronged the Chittagong Central Shaheed Minar in their bare feet, hands filled with flowers.

Teachers and students placed wreaths at Chittagong University's Central Shaheed Minar and attended a discussion at Buddijibi Chattor.

The Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology organised a discussion, painting competition, poetry recitation and cultural programme.

Thousands also paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Minars of Rajshahi, including Court Shaheed Minar, Rajshahi College Shaheed Minar and Bhubon Mohon Park Shaheed Minar.

The Rajshahi Photographic Society organised a three-day photo exhibition titled “Developing Bangladesh”, to mark the occasion.

In Sust, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology organised a seminar, “Language movement and Bangla nationalism”, after teachers, students and staff placed flowers at the Shaheed Minar on the campus.

The daylong programmes began with hoisting of the national flag before the registrar building, followed by a children's art competition. A cultural programme was also held at the Sylhet Shaheed Minar.