Comilla University (CoU) observed International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Day today with due solemnity, paying homage to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement through floral tributes and commemorative events on campus.

The programme commenced at 10:00am with the laying of wreaths at the university’s Central Shaheed Minar. University authorities placed the first floral tribute in memory of the language martyrs.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Haidar Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Masuda Kamal, and Treasurer Professor Dr Mohammad Solaiman led the delegation on behalf of the university administration.

Subsequently, various residential halls, academic departments, and both registered and unregistered student organisations offered wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, expressing collective respect for the sacrifices made to uphold the dignity of the Bangla language.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr Md Abdul Hakim, Convener of the International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Day Observance Committee and Proctor of the university, said the sacrifice for language rights remains a unique chapter in global history.

“To our knowledge, there is no other instance in the world where people have laid down their lives for their mother tongue. Bangladesh stands alone in that regard,” he said.

He added that the international recognition of the day reflects global acknowledgement of that historic sacrifice and urged the academic community to uphold the spirit of Ekushey in both intellectual and cultural spheres.

Marking the day, a mourning procession was brought out from the university’s administrative building. The rally marched across the campus, passing through the central roundabout before concluding at the Shaheed Minar. Participants wore black badges as a symbol of grief and remembrance.

Observed annually on 21 February, International Mother Language Day commemorates the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 1952 Language Movement to secure recognition of Bangla as a state language.