Dhaka, Saturday: The Chhayanaut Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi came alive on Saturday morning as the institution marked International Mother Language Day with a rich tapestry of music, poetry, and patriotic reflection. The ornate programme, beginning at 10:30 am, fused remembrance with a celebration of Bengali identity and cultural pride.
Delivering the keynote, Chhayanaut President Sarwar Ali reflected on the historical and national significance of the day. He emphasised that the Language Movement of 1952 sowed the seeds of a secular state, paving the way for the independence struggle of 1971. “The sacrifices of the 1952 martyrs allowed Bengalis to claim their identity with dignity. Their courage authored the birth story of Bangladesh,” he said, highlighting the enduring debt the nation owes to these heroes.
Sarwar underscored the centrality of language to national identity, noting that culture is the medium through which a nation’s way of life is expressed—a discipline Chhayanaut has long championed. He cautioned that languages not preserved in written form risk extinction and praised Bengali for its rich literary and cultural heritage. On nationalism, he observed that language transcends religious identity, uniting people across faiths. He also reminded the audience that many participants of the 1952 Language Movement were founding members of Chhayanaut in the 1960s.
“If Ekushey is ignored, the events of 1971 fade from memory. If 1971 is forgotten, Bengali national identity cannot survive. That is why 21st February holds supreme significance,” he said.
Musical and Literary Tributes
The ceremony opened with a choir performance of Nazim Mahmud’s “Amader Chetanar Soikote”, setting a reverent tone. The auditorium was then filled with consecutive performances of music and recitation, honouring the martyrs’ memory and Bengali heritage.
| Performer | Work | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Susmita Debnath Shuchi | “Moder Gorob Moder Asha” – Atulprasad Sen | Song |
| Iffat Binte Nazir | “Nishidin Bhorsha Rakhis” – Rabindranath Tagore | Song |
| Dhruba Sarkar | “Salam Salam Hajar Salam” – Fazal-e-Khuda | Song |
| Priyantu Deb | “Opomane Tumi Jwole Utthechile” – Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal | Song |
| Aishwarya Samaddar | “O Amar Ei Bangla Bhasha” – Abdul Latif | Song |
| Mohit Khan | “Mago Dhonyo Holo” – SM Hedayet | Song |
| Nusrat Jahan Runa | “Amay Gnethe Dao Na Mago” – Nazrul Islam Babu | Song |
| Arnab Barua | “Mago At-i Phalguner Kotha” – Abdul Latif | Song |
| Farzana Afrin Eva | “Amar Desher Moton Emon” | Song |
| Suman Majumder | “Bhebo Nago Ma Tomar Chhelera” – Mostafizur Rahman | Song |
| Dalia Ahmed & Dewan Saidul Hassan | “Matribhumir Jonyo” – Srijan Sen; “Ekushe February” – Asim Saha | Recitation |
The programme concluded with a moving group performance of Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury’s “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushe February”, followed by the national anthem, “Amar Sonar Bangla”.
The event reaffirmed Chhayanaut’s mission to preserve and promote Bengali language and culture while inspiring new generations to embrace their national heritage. In the words of the organisers, Ekushey remains not only a day of mourning but also a celebration of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of language.