In a historic first, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, paid tribute to language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar during the early hours of International Mother Language Day.
Following the traditional tributes by the President and Prime Minister, Dr. Rahman arrived at the monument on Saturday (February 21). He was accompanied by top leaders of the 11-party alliance, including Nahid Islam, Akhtar Hossain, and Hasnat Abdullah. After placing a wreath, the Ameer led a prayer for the martyrs.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Dr. Rahman was asked about the significance of Jamaat's first formal appearance at the Shaheed Minar.
"It is my duty as part of a state ritual," he replied. "As the Leader of the Opposition, I have come with my companions to fulfill that responsibility."
However, the mood shifted when a reporter asked if the party still viewed such tributes as "unlawful" (haram). Visible annoyed, Dr. Rahman dismissed the query, stating, "Why ask such questions on such a holy day? It is better not to ask this now."
From the Central Shaheed Minar, the opposition leader traveled to the Azimpur Graveyard to visit the graves of the language martyrs.
Reflecting on the nation's history, Dr. Rahman drew a line from the 1948–52 Language Movement to the mass uprising of 2024. He noted that while the right to speak one's language was secured decades ago, true civil rights remain elusive for many.
"The rebellion occurred because vested interests tried to suppress the rights of the people by force," he said. "We won our language rights, but our struggle continues until a truly humane society is established."
