Language Martyrs' Day, also known as International Mother Language Day, is observed on February 21st in Bangladesh. It is a day of remembrance for the individuals who sacrificed their lives in the Bengal Language Movement protests of 1952. The day is a national holiday in Bangladesh.

History:

The history of Language Martyrs' Day dates back to the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947, which included two geographically and culturally separate regions: West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The government of Pakistan declared Urdu to be the sole national language, which was met with severe opposition from East Pakistan where Bengali was spoken by the majority.

On February 21, 1952, students and activists took part in demonstrations in Dhaka to demand recognition for Bengali as one of the state languages. The protests were met with police violence, resulting in numerous casualties and deaths. These events led to widespread civil unrest and ultimately contributed to the linguistic identity movement that played a significant role in East Pakistan's struggle for independence, which was achieved in 1971 as Bangladesh.

Traditions:

On Language Martyrs' Day:

• A moment of silence is observed at midnight.
• People visit the Shaheed Minar (Martyrs’ Monument) in Dhaka to pay homage to the language martyrs, offering flowers and prayers.
• Cultural programs highlighting Bengali language and literature are held throughout the country.
• Educational institutions organize seminars, discussions, and cultural performances focusing on the significance of mother language preservation.
• Flags are flown at half-mast across official buildings.
• Politicians and public figures deliver speeches emphasizing linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

The day emphasizes not only paying respect to those who died but also recognizes the importance of linguistic diversity worldwide. It became recognized internationally when UNESCO declared February 21st International Mother Language Day in November 1999.