Green University accords reception to language heroes

Green University of Bangladesh (GUB) observed the ‘Amar Ekushey’, the Language Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day-2014 with full vigor and enthusiasm to accolade the valiant sons of our motherland who sacrificed their lives to defend our mother tongue. In the early morning, a cohort of faculty and students rallied and placed floral wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar on 21st February 2014. Subsequently, as a part of an elaborate observance, GUB organized a reception program for the Bhasha Shoinik (Language Movement Activist) which was followed by a cultural show at the Carnival Hall of Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) on 22 February, 2014 at 03:00p.m.

Prof. Dr. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Vice-Chancellor of Green University of Bangladesh presided over the reception program. Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid, MP and Hon’ble Education Minister graced the occasion as the chief guest, while celebrated poet Asad Chowdhury, famous novelist Ms. Selina Hossain, and chairman of the board of trustees of GUB, Md. Abdullah Al Mamun were present as the special guests.

Language Movement Activists, Mr. Abdul Matin, Mr. Ahmed Rafiq, Justice Kazi Ebadul Haque, Prof. Dr. Sharifa Khatun, Ms. Manowara Islam, Prativa Mutsuddi, Ms. Rowshan Ara Bachchu, Mr. Rezaul Karim, Mr. Sabir Ahmed Chowdhury, Mr. Khalil Kazi, Dr. Jashim Uddin Ahmed, Mr. Shamsul Huda, Prof. Abdul Gafur, Prof. DR. Ahsanul Haque, Mr. Mirza Mazharul Islam, Mr. Abdul Karim Pathan, Mr. Fazle Ali, Mr. Khaja Mohiuddin, Prof. Fule Huossain, Mr. Muhammad Ziad Ali and Mr. Tofazzal Hossain ennobled the juncture by their presence.

With the span of more than six decades, the Language Movement Activism (Bhasha Andolon) marks the 62nd anniversary, today. Almost all the speakers, documented from the history signifying the sacrifices of the martyrs like Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and nameless many others, who sacrificed on this day in 1952. They expressed their indebtedness saying, “without their bravery our nation may have been deprived of the mother tongue.” They also recalled their endeavors and asserted that the Language Movement began in 1948 and reached its climax on 21 February, 1952, when police declared Section 144 banning any sort of meetings. Consequently, the students of the University of Dhaka and Dhaka Medical College and other political activists started a procession on February 21 1952. Near the current Dhaka Medical College Hospital, police opened fire on the protesters and numerous people including Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin, Safiur Rahman, Abul Barkat, Abdul Jabbar lost their valuable lives.

Finally, the program ended with a colorful cultural program participated by singer Mr. Abdul Jabbar and Green University students.