February is a phenomenal month for a reason. It has a string of events but the most important one among all is Ekushey February. The iconic event takes place to commemorate the Language Movement Martyrs who gave up their lives for the recognition of Bangla as a state language on this day 67 years ago. The great Language Movement is a significant event in our nation’s history because it is about establishing the right of our mother tongue, as well as protecting our culture and heritage. Hence, celebrating Ekushey February is considered to be very important. Read below to know about its significance and how it started.
History
It started around only a few months after the independence of Pakistan when Bengalis realized that their right to speak in their mother tongue would be jeopardized in the very place that they were trying to make their home. Over the course of a few years, many changes took place. Pakistani rulers who favored Urdu as the official state language took a number of decisions that galvanized many Bengali leaders.
Afterwards, students intervened to stop their procession at the Dhaka University gate and shots were fired. This further led to many protests and rallies and even more police action. Eventually, the consequences were the deaths of students and passersby while many others were arrested. People soon realized that something revolutionary had happened, that students had given up their lives to save their language; to break free from the shackles of men who wanted to alienate them from their culture.
A makeshift martyr’s monument was erected after a few days that’d later be destroyed and rebuilt on the site of the language martyrdom. In 1957, architect Hamidur Rahman started to work on building the monument with the help of sculptor Novera Ahmed.
Celebrating Ekushey February
On this day, the national flag flies on the top of all government and private buildings. Early in the morning, people start off to place flower wreaths on the graves of the Language Heroes. The ritualistic practice known as ‘Prabhat Pheri’ takes place every year. Throughout the day, people dress up in Black and White and walk barefoot to the Central Shaheed Minar as a sign of mourning to mark the day.
Present Day
In 1954, the United Front ministry decided to build the Bangla Academy at the site of martyrdom in order to protect, promote and propel Bangla language and culture into the future. Since then, February has been a month of celebrations with Amar Ekushey Boi Mela which is a month-long event. People from all over the country visit the vicinity of Dhaka University. Everyday at the book fair, many discussions and cultural programs take place. The programs talk about the importance of the Language Movement along with the country’s art and culture.
Like every monumental event of every other country, Ekushey February has deep roots dated back in its history. Since the United Nations made it ‘International Mother Language Day’ in 1999, its international significance appeared as well. Later in 2008, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognized this day in order to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism, establishing 2008 as the year of International Year of Language.
What are your plans for celebrating Ekushey February? Let us know in the comment section below!
