RANGPUR, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - The district administrations and other institutions have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the "Shaheed Dibash and International Mother Language Day-2026'' to  pay rich tribute to the Language Movement Martyrs in Rangpur division on Saturday. 
   
According to official sources, the district administrations, other departments, institutions and organisations have completed necessary preparations to observe the day in a befitting manner in all eight districts of the division.
 
In Rangpur city, the observance will begin with placing of wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city at one minute past Friday midnight to pay due respect to Language Movement Martyrs.
 
Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, Deputy Inspector General of police, Rangpur range, Aminul Islam, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Majid Ali, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan and Superintendent of Police Md Marufat Hussaine with officials will first place wreaths there to be followed by other government and non-government departments and organizations.
 
Later, the heroic freedom fighters, leaders of the district and city units of BNP and its associate bodies and different political parties and professional organizations, institutions and people of all strata will place wreaths there.
 
The other programmes chalked out include hoisting of national flag at half-mast atop all buildings, educational institutions with the sunrise, illumination of city streets with miniature national and coloured flags inscribed with Bengali alphabets.
  
Besides, competitions on drawing, recitation and essay writing for children were arranged tomorrow (February 20) highlighting the importance of the language movement at the District Shishu Academy premises. 
  
The local dailies, and other newspapers will publish special supplements and Rangpur Betar air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
 
Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of  worship at convenient times seeking divine blessings for the departed souls of the language movement martyrs and martyrs of all movements in the country.
 
The district administration will arrange the main discussions at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium in the evening followed by reception to language movement veterans, distribution of prizes and cultural function.
 
Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur Medical College, Carmichael College, Begum Rokeya Government College and other educational institutions, socio- cultural, political and professional organizations will observe the day in a befitting manner.
   
The "Shaheed Dibash and International Mother Language Day-2026'' will be observed in the other seven districts of Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha and Kurigram in the division through identical programmes on Saturday.