Every year, on February 21, Bangladesh stands united in remembrance of Ekushey February, commemorating the sacrifices made during the 1952 Language Movement. What began as a protest for linguistic recognition has since evolved into a global celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity, recognised by UNESCO as International Mother Language Day in 1999. Today, the echoes of that movement continue to shape Bangladesh’s national identity, social fabric, and cultural expressions.

Ekushey February in the Present Day

The spirit of Ekushey February is not merely a historical milestone but a living testament to resilience and identity. International Mother Language Day underscores the importance of linguistic rights worldwide, encourages the preservation of endangered languages, and promotes inclusivity. In Bangladesh, the day is marked by solemn tributes at the Shaheed Minar, cultural programs, and a strong reaffirmation of national unity.

Beyond the commemorations, the legacy of Ekushey February extends into modern political and social movements. The recent July Uprising, a student-led revolution that toppled a 16-year autocratic regime, was directly inspired by the courage and determination of the Language Movement martyrs. In his speech at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus emphasised that the sacrifices made in 1952 laid the foundation for today’s struggles for democracy, justice, and equality.

Amar Ekushey Book Fair: A Symbol of Literary and Cultural Strength

Bangladesh’s most significant literary event, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, is an enduring symbol of the Language Movement’s cultural impact. The 2025 edition, inaugurated by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, revolves around “The July Uprising: Rebuilding a New Bangladesh.” This theme bridges past and present struggles, reflecting the ongoing pursuit of national progress.

The fair, which features 708 publishers and a vast array of literary works, not only celebrates Bangla literature but also fosters discussions on history, politics, and culture. With a strong emphasis on eco-friendly initiatives and the participation of expatriate Bangladeshis, the event continues to evolve, integrating modern values with historical significance.

Recognising Achievements: The Ekushey Padak and Women’s Empowerment

Bangladesh’s second-highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak, is a prestigious honour that highlights contributions to society, culture, and education. In a groundbreaking move, the Bangladesh women’s national football team has been nominated for the award in 2025, recognising their back-to-back victories in the SAFF Women’s Championship. Their success represents a broader shift in Bangladesh, where the fight for linguistic and cultural identity has expanded to gender equality and sports excellence.

The Relevance of Ekushey February Today

The lessons of Ekushey February are more relevant today than ever. As Bangladesh continues to evolve, the ideals of linguistic pride, resilience, and unity guide its progress. Whether through literature, activism, sports, or democracy, the spirit of the Language Movement lives on, reminding the nation, and the world, that identity and freedom are worth fighting for.

Bibliography

BSS (2025a). Chief adviser to open Amar Ekushey Book Fair today. [online] Prothomalo. Available at: https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/4xgn2dqlzd.

BSS (2025b). Spirit of Amar Ekushey helps wage July uprising: CA. [online] Prothomalo. Available at: https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/46syku10qs.

Dhaka Tribune. (2025a). 98 new books hit Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Wednesday. [online] Available at: https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/372917/98-new-books-hit-amar-ekushey-book-fair-on.

Dhaka Tribune. (2025b). CA Yunus: Ekushey shows strong bond of unity, gives peace. [online] Available at: https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/372487/ca-dr-yunus-ekushey-shows-strong-bond-of-unity.

Sports Reporter (2025). SAFF-winning woman booters to be awarded Ekushey Padak -. [online] The Daily Observer . Available at: https://www.observerbd.com/news/510963#google_vignette.