DHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called upon all concerned to work collectively to uphold and protect the dignity of languages worldwide.   “Let us preserve the linguistic diversity within our country, safeguard our unique culture and heritage, and ensure the proper use and cultivation of Bangla,” the premier said in message marking the Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day to be observed tomorrow. Extending his heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to all people and linguistic communities across the world, including the speakers of the mother tongue, Bangla on the day, he paid profound tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement of 1952, whose supreme sacrifice secured the rightful status and dignity of Bangla as our mother language. The Head of the Government said the present government remains firmly committed to consolidating and advancing this democratic journey. “We honour the Language Martyrs, the heroes of 1971, the brave souls of the 2024 mass uprising, and all who have sacrificed for democracy in our nation's glorious history,” he stated. Tarique Rahman added: “To uphold their sacrifices and legacy, we must build a stable, secure, and humane democratic state, where independence is protected, institutions are accountable, and the people remain the ultimate source of power.” Noting that Ekushey February stands as an indelible chapter in our national history, the prime minster said on this day in 1952, Abul Barkat, Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, and many others embraced martyrdom in their struggle to uphold the honour of Bangla.  Their sacrifice marked the first decisive step toward the liberation of the then East Bengal from prolonged domination and oppression, Tarique Rahman added.  The premier said the Language Movement not only established the right to our mother tongue but also laid a strong foundation for national essence of sovereignty based on a unifying language, democratic aspirations, and cultural identity.  The historic path forged through the sacrifices of Ekushey ultimately culminated in our independence through the Great Liberation War and the emergence of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation, he observed. The prime minister said Bangla remains the principal vehicle of our identity and heritage and subsequently in recognition of our profound sacrifice and enduring devotion to our mother language, the UNESCO declared February 21 as ‘International Mother Language Day.’ Upholding that spirit through long years of struggle, democracy has been re-established in the country, he said the core ideals of Ekushey were the establishment of democratic values, the protection of people’s rights, and the affirmation of equality.  Praying for the eternal peace of all language martyrs, the Prime Minister wished every success the programmes undertaken in observance of Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day.