Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic journey, stating that the restoration and consolidation of democracy remain top priorities.
In a message issued on the occasion of International Mother Language Day and Martyrs’ Day 2026 to be observed on Saturday (21 February), the prime minister said that democratic values, people’s rights, and equality were at the core of the spirit of Ekushey (21 February).
Upholding that spirit through years of struggle, democracy has now been reestablished in the country, he said, adding that the present government is committed to consolidating this democratic advancement.
Extending heartfelt greetings and congratulations to Bangla-speaking people as well as all linguistic communities around the world, he paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, whose sacrifices established the respect of Bangla as the mother tongue.
Describing 21 February as an unforgettable chapter in the nation’s history, the prime minister recalled that on this day in 1952, Abul Barkat, Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar and many others were martyred while fighting to protect the status of Bangla.
Their sacrifices, he said, marked the first step toward liberation from decades of oppression in then East Bengal and laid a stronger foundation for self-determination, democracy, and cultural identity.
He noted that the blood-stained path of Ekushey eventually led to the Liberation War and the independence of Bangladesh.
Bangla, he said, remains the primary vehicle of the nation’s identity.
Recognising the country’s sacrifice and love for the mother tongue, UNESCO declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day.
The prime minister said the spirit of Ekushey has since evolved into a global movement to protect and preserve the dignity of all languages.
Tarique further said that the government aspires to build a self-reliant, secure, humane, and democratic state by upholding the aspirations of the language martyrs, the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, the 2024 struggle to safeguard independence, and all those who sacrificed their lives in democratic movements.
Calling on all concerned to work toward preserving the dignity of languages worldwide, he urged the protection of the country’s linguistic diversity, safeguarding of cultural heritage, and ensuring the proper use and practice of the Bangla language at all levels.
He concluded by praying for the eternal peace of all language martyrs and expressing hope for the successful implementation of all programmes undertaken to mark Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day.