Language is the most powerful instrument to express one nation’s tradition, cultural heritage and glories to the new generation and the rest of the world. Bengali language has its own history of sacrifice and glory.
We got Bengali as our sate language after many protests and sacrifice. We will never forget the language heroes for their valiant role and sacrifice they did in 1952.
No other nation fought and sacrificed as we did for our language. In 1952, the then ruler of Pakistan declared Urdu as the sole state language. There were only 7% people who used to speak in Urdu. The rest of the people of East Pakistan were Bangali and they used to speak in Bengali. Students of Dhaka University along with others protested the declaration immediately. They fought for the language.
Earlier on February 20, 1952: An order was promulgated under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code prohibiting processions and meetings in Dhaka City.
On February 21, 1952: The students of Dhaka University decided to defy the official ban in a meeting and decided to protest in peaceful procession. The police opened fire on students in front of the Medical College Hostel. Mohammad Salauddin, Abdul Jabbar, Abul Barkat, Rafiquddin Ahmed, Abdus Salam were among the language martyrs.
The Pakistan government recognizes Bengali as a state language on May 7, 1954.
The language movement secured a prestigious chapter in the glorious history of Bengali nation and Bengali culture. Shaheed Minar stands as a symbol of honor and emotional representation for the Language Movement martyrs.
The nation will always remember the heroes who fought and lost their lives for the Bengali language.
