DHAKA, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has undertaken extensive programmes across the country to observe Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day on February 21 with due solemnity and respect.

According to decisions taken at an inter-ministerial meeting held at Bangla Academy in Dhaka on January 13, the day will be observed nationwide through a series of commemorative, cultural and educational activities.

On February 21, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings, including educational institutions, in accordance with official rules. 

To raise awareness about the proper size and regulations of hoisting the national flag, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private television and radio channels, and print media will broadcast and publish special guidelines.

The President and the Prime Minister will pay homage to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of the day. 

After their tribute, distinguished personalities, foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka, representatives of ministries, departments, organizations associated with Ekushey celebrations, and political leaders will lay wreaths. 

Law enforcement agencies will ensure additional security for 30 minutes following the President and Prime Minister’s homage to facilitate dignitaries’ tributes.

Enhanced security measures will be in place at the Shaheed Minar premises and Azimpur Graveyard to prevent any untoward incidents and manage public gatherings. 

All government and private television channels, Bangladesh Betar and community radio stations will air special Ekushey programmes throughout the day.

Various road islands and important points in Dhaka will be decorated with festoons featuring alphabets of all ethnic communities of the country, including Bengali. 

Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country for the eternal peace of the souls of the language martyrs.

The Mass Communication Department will organize mobile musical concerts on trucks across Dhaka metropolis and boat-based cultural programmes on waterways surrounding the capital. 

Mobile film screenings will also be arranged at district and upazila levels. Bangladesh missions abroad will observe the day with due respect.

Bangladesh Shishu Academy will arrange drawing competitions, recitations of rhymes and poems, and cultural programmes for children. 

Bangla Academy will host the Ekushey Book Fair, with participation from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Public Library Department, Bangladesh National Museum, National Book Centre, National Kabi Kazi Nazrul Institute, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Islamic Foundation and other publishing organizations. Bangladesh Shishu Academy will also publish special children’s editions to mark the occasion.

Bangladesh National Museum and its branch museums, Shilpacharya Zainul Folk and Crafts Museum, Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation, and all archaeological sites and museums under the Department of Archaeology will offer free entry to children, adolescents, students, senior citizens and persons with special needs on the day.

Additionally, the Bangladesh National Museum and Museum of Independence will screen documentaries, display archival materials on the Language Movement, showcase graffiti from the 2024 mass uprising, and organize Bengali handwriting competitions and seminars for children and adolescents. 

The Department of Public Libraries will hold writing and drawing competitions and discussions on the Language Movement at public libraries at divisional, district and upazila levels.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs stated that all city corporations, municipalities, district councils, upazila councils and union councils will observe the day in line with the national programmes, ensuring nationwide participation in honoring the martyrs of the Language Movement.