ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Ekushey February- a reminder that Pakistan’s conspiracy against Bangla language and culture is not over yet. On the occasion of International Mother Language Day different socio-cultural organizations and civil society platforms organised processions, human-chain, street-plays, bicycle-rally and seminars in Dhaka and other divisional towns in Bangladesh.

While paying homage to the brave-hearts who lost their lives, speakers recalled with horror the role of Pakistan forces to suppress the movement and brutal crackdown on innocent citizens.

Some of the prominent programmes are as mentioned below:

JESSORE- Arafath Rahman Basith and Rotary Club Jessore organized a procession from Doratana to Shaheed Minar, which was followed by a photo exhibition at Rotary Club.

A movie titled ‘Falguni Howya’ was also screened in the evening.

SATKHIRA- Bangabandhu Foundation and Samprity Bangladesh brought out a rally from Pourasobachattor to Shaheed Minar, which was followed by screening a movie titled ‘Falguni Howya’ and a candlelight vigil.

MYMENSINGH- A signature campaign was organised at the district headquar.

NARAYANGANJ- National Workers League organized a human chain from Pagal Bazaar to Aliganj Shaheed Minar, which was followed by screening a movie titled ‘Falguni Howya’ and a candle light vigil.

DHAKA- Voluntary organization- Media Forum for Human Rights and Environmental Development (MADE) organized a seminar at National Press Club to mark the 70 years of the language movement.

Speakers including chief guest Freedom Fighter Harun Habib, Secretary General of Sector Commanders Forum, Omar Farooq, President of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, among other intellectuals, discussed the importance of Language Day and how Pakistan tried to impose ‘Urdu Only’ policy and continues to harbour similar sinister plans.

The speakers under the title ‘Twenty One to Seventy One’ spoke about the conspiracy of Pakistan to destroy the country by destroying its language and its culture.

Separately, Open Dialogue Bangladesh (OPD) staged a Street Play titled ‘Rokte lekha Bangla Bhasha’(Bangla language written in blood) in front of National Press Club to pay tribute to the language martyrs.

A team of artists led by Samad Bhuiyan highlighted the role played by the Pak forces to erase the Bengali culture and subjugate the Intellectuals and Liberals during the period. The artists depicted the Pak Brutalities through drama and role play.

Bharat-Bangladesh Sampriti Sangsad (BBSS) Welfare Association organized a bicycle rally in protest against Pak brutality during Language Movement in 1952.

Around 160 persons took part in the rally led by Taufiq Ahmed Tafsir, President of the organization.

Jatiya Swechchha Sebak Party Central leader Emdadul Haque Chalek, Bangladesh Jasdar central leader Mohiuddin Ahmed, journalist Mustafizur Rahman, social activist Hafiz Shambhutak also took part it.

The rally started from Nikunja (Police Plaza) and travelled upto Pakistan High Commission before ending at Hatirjheel.

Addressing the programme Tawfiq Ahmed Tafsir stated that Pakistan used force to suppress the language movement by killing Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, Jabbar, Safiul and many more.

He said that the Pak regime never accepted the people of Bangladesh as friends but has always tried to exploit and torture the Bengalis.