Great Martyr’s Day and International Mother Language Day are celebrated at Dakop in Khulna.

Md. Shamim Hossain –

Khulna On the occasion of Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day at Bajua, Dakop, Khulna, a wreath-laying ceremony and a discussion meeting were held in memory of language martyrs at Surendranath Degree Honors College auditorium at Surendranath Degree Honors College auditorium on 21 February (Tuesday). Bangladesh Awami League central committee member and Member of Parliament for reserved women’s constituency Gloria Jharna Sarkar MP spoke as the chief guest at the meeting. At that time, efforts were made to break the chain of subjugation of Bengalis. We were able to break the chain of subjugation through the sacrifice of the martyrs in the language movement on 21 February 1952. I got the identity of Bengali ethnicity. He also said, there was history, there is history and there will be history. History can never be erased. We must move forward by following history. Female MP said, twenty-one means losing something, gaining something. When we dreamed of breaking the chains of 200 years of subjugation during the partition of the country in 1947, an attempt was made to take away our language. What can be more inhumane than taking away the mother tongue? But the Bengalis did not stop. With their indomitable energy, morale and concentration, we got mother tongue in 52. He said that the entire period from 1952 to 1971 was part of the freedom struggle. Seventy-one was the final chapter of independence. After the independence of the country, when under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we dreamed of building an exploitation-free Bangladesh, then on August 15, 1975, our dream was shattered by the brutality of murderers. The situation of Pakistan with whom we compare today is fragile. Especially recently, a minister of their country said – Pakistan has become a failed state. However, facing all kinds of obstacles and conspiracies, Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has become a role model of development to the world. Our GDP per capita is more than double theirs. He also said that the feeling we had in 1952, 1962, 1966, 1969, 1971, today seems to have faded. We build ourselves around just one day. Even though we talk a lot about Bengali language, we become interested in English medium education for our children, we try to establish ourselves as modern by speaking Bengali-English. This is the teaching of our language. A question arises – how much have we as Bengalis been able to hold that ideal, creation, education, education. Not just the formalities, but the spirit of Ekush should be captured in our hearts and souls. So let us all be Bengali in mind and heart. To build Bangabandhu’s dream of Sonar Bangla free from hunger and poverty, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s desire to establish a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh will be implemented. We show patriotism by fulfilling the duties assigned in our respective fields. In the beginning of his speech, the MP remembered with deep respect the martyrs of the great language martyrs, the martyrs of the freedom struggle of the country including Bangabandhu, the martyrs of August 15, 1975, the martyrs of all the democratic movements of the country including the four national leaders. Dakop Upazila Awami League Senior Vice President and Loudob UP Chairman Sheikh Yuvraj, Bajua UP Chairman Manas Kumar Roy spoke as special guests in the meeting. Shyamal Kumar Roy, principal of the college presided. College teachers-students, officials-employees were present in the meeting. After that, on the occasion of the day, at 6:30 am in front of the administration building of the college, holding the black badge, lowering the national flag to half-mast and hoisting the black flag, the morning ferry led by the principal took out from Shahid Minar and circled the main road of Bajua Bazar and arrived at the college campus. And on behalf of teachers, students and social organizations of the surrounding schools and colleges, the rally went around the main road of Bajua Bazar and ended by going to their respective institutions.