Dhaka: Unlike last year, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to pay homage to the Language Movement martyrs by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of Language Martyrs’ Day, February 21, which is also the International Mother Language Day.

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said they have already sought cooperation from law enforcers in ensuring necessary security for their chairperson while paying tribute to the 1952 Language Movement heroes, according to a UNB report.

Last year, Khaleda Zia held a prayer session at her office to pay respect to the Language Movement martyrs, skipping her visit to Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours for the first time since she joined politics.

However, BNP leaders and activists, led by Khaleda’s Advisor Enam Ahmed Chowdhury, placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of the party last year.

Meanwhile, BNP has taken a two-day programme to mark the day with due respect.

The party will also keep the party and national flags at half-mast and hoist black flags at its Nayapaltan central office at 6:00am on the day.

Leaders and activists of the party will gather in front of Balaka Cinema Hall at Nilkhet at 6:00am. Later, they will first offer fateha at the graves of Language Movement martyrs at Azimpur Graveyard and then go to the Central Shaheed Minar to pay tributes to the martyrs.

BNP will hold a discussion the following day at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh at 2:00pm, marking the day.

Amar Ekushey (February 21) will be observed as Language Martyrs’ Day in Bangladesh in recognition of the Bangali nation’s supreme sacrifice to the cause of their mother tongue. In 1999, Unesco declared the day as the International Mother Language Day which is observed around the world.