Rajshahi observes Martyrs' Day with due tributes
People in Rajshahi paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the historic 1952 Language Movement today as the nation observed Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day-2026. Various political parties, socio-cultural, professional, and volunteer organizations, along with educational institutions, marked the day with renewed pledges to build a happy, prosperous, and non-communal Bangladesh. From early morning, thousands of people, many barefooted and carrying flowers, thronged the city's Shaheed Minars, especially the Rajshahi Central Shaheed Minar, to pay homage to the Language Movement heroes, chanting the iconic lines of "Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February, Ami ki Bhulite Pari."
The District Administration organized a discussion meeting, cultural program, and prize-giving ceremony at the Shilpakala Academy under the theme "Ekushey's Spirit in National Life." Other programs included Quran recitations and discussions at the Imam Training Academy, art competitions at Shishu Academy and Shilpakala Academy, distribution of improved meals to hospital, jail, safe home, and baby home inmates, and screenings of documentary films on the Language Movement. Under the initiative of Rajshahi City Corporation, the observance began with solemn tributes during the first hour of the day.
Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation and Divisional Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar, accompanied by city officials and representatives of the Employees' Union. The day was also observed with dignity at the University of Rajshahi (RU). Vice-Chancellor Prof Saleh Hasan Naqib, Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Mohammad Main Uddin, Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Moha: Farid Uddin Khan, Treasurer Prof Md. Matiar Rahman, and senior officials laid wreaths at the university Shaheed Minar and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the martyrs.
From 8:00 am, various residential halls, departments, institutes, the RU Teachers' Association, RU Women's Club, professional bodies, and RU schools brought out Prabhat Pheri processions and laid wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. A drawing and Bangla handwriting competition was also held on the Senate Building premises. Following Zuhr prayers, a Qur'an recitation and special prayer were held at the Central Jame Mosque. The Shaheed Smriti Sangrahashala remained open to visitors from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The observance extended to the Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), where Vice-Chancellor Prof SM Abdur Razzak placed a wreath at the university's central Shaheed Minar. A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs. Following the Vice-Chancellor, teachers, students, officers, employees, provosts of various halls, and other university organizations paid their respects individually at the martyr's altar. RUET also organized various programs throughout the day to commemorate the occasion.
