Seventy three years ago today was among the most significant days in our history, which all but shaped Bangladesh.
It was on this day, February 21, 1952 when, defying Section 144 of unlawful assembly in then East Pakistan, students and protesters assembled at the Dhaka University premises to protest against the imposition of Urdu as the only state language while demanding equal recognition of the language of the land - Bangla.
This defiance, met with resistance from West Pakistani law enforcement, saw a number of the protestors being killed. The lives sacrificed on that day, for the sake of our mother tongue, not only made this day important for us as a nation, but was also recognized internationally - today, February 21 is recognized internationally as Mother Language Day.
Most importantly, since that auspicious day, Bangladeshis have, time and time again, displayed to the rest of the world that they will stand up for what they believe in and fight for their rights.
Today, with Bangladesh at a critical juncture, led by the interim government after Bangladeshis once again displayed through the uprisings of July and August of 2024 that they would not stand for injustice any longer, and with uncertainties at present and future, it is the spirit of Ekushey, and the values of this day, that are more relevant than ever.
Bangladesh, throughout its history, has continued to try and uphold the spirit of Ekushey -- to achieve liberation and freedom, not just as a nation, but as a people and society. We have before us an opportunity to right many of the wrongs of previous administrations, and truly create a Bangladesh that those in 1952 who gave their lives envisioned we could become.
That is the way we honour those martyred in 1952, and indeed throughout our history as a nation -- to build an equitable and free Bangladesh for all.