Rangpur: The Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2026 was observed today in Rangpur, marked by deep tribute and emotional remembrances for the language martyrs. Thousands of people, filled with passion and enthusiasm, gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay their respects.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the area around the Central Shaheed Minar was bustling with activity as people placed wreaths at 11:00 pm. The atmosphere was rich with the sound of the timeless song ‘Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February…’ as the history of the language movement was narrated through a microphone. Participants from various backgrounds engaged in programs organized by district and upazila administrations, as well as other organizations, to honor the day with patriotic zeal across the metropolis and all eight upazilas of the district.
The day’s activities included hoisting the national flag at half-mast at all buildings and educational institutions at sunrise, and decorating city streets with miniature national flags and Bengali alphabet-inscribed colored flags. Competitions for children on drawing, recitation, and essay writing highlighted the significance of the language movement. Special prayers were conducted at various places of worship, seeking blessings for the departed souls of the language martyrs and all martyrs in the nation’s history.
The observance in Rangpur began at one minute past midnight with wreath placements at the Central Shaheed Minar, amid high enthusiasm and tight security. Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, along with officials from the Rangpur divisional administration, led the wreath-laying ceremony. Newly elected Member of Parliament from Rangpur-3, Mahbubur Rahman Belal, joined by leaders from the Rangpur District and Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami, also paid their respects and offered prayers for the martyrs.
Deputy Inspector General Aminul Islam and Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Majid Ali were among other dignitaries who placed wreaths at the monument. The district administration hosted the main discussion at the District Shilpokola Academy auditorium, followed by a reception for language movement veterans, prize distribution, and a cultural function, with Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan presiding and Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam serving as the chief guest.
Educational institutions such as Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur Medical College, and Carmichael College, along with sociocultural, political, and professional organizations, actively participated in observing the day.