Bangladesh marks Language Martyrs' Day with wreaths and stamps

Language politics roared back into the spotlight as tributes, blockades, and political friction collided on a day meant for remembrance in Bangladesh.

Stamp release and official tributes

• Tarique Rahman introduced commemorative stamps at the PMO in Tejgaon.
• The event marked Language Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day.
• Rahman later placed a wreath at the Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
• Mohammed Shahabuddin paid respects earlier at the same memorial.

Political tensions at Shaheed Minar

• Shafiqur Rahman honored the 1952 Language Movement martyrs.
• Rumeen Farhana was reportedly blocked from laying flowers.
• BNP activists allegedly stopped her at the monument.
• Supporters later protested over the obstruction.

Highway blockade fallout

• Shahbazpur in Sarail upazila saw a sudden road blockade.
• Protesters burned tree trunks and bamboo on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway.
• Traffic backed up nearly 10 kilometers on both sides.
• Police intervened to clear the route and restore order.

Historical roots of the observance

• February 21, 1952, saw police gunfire near Dhaka Medical College.
• Salam, Rafique, Shafique, Jabbar, and Barkat were killed.
• Bangla gained state language status on February 29, 1956.
• The movement later fed into the 1971 Liberation War.