In an unprecedented gesture, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament, paid homage at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of 21 February, marking the commencement of International Mother Language Day observances. This represents the first time in the party’s history that its leader has placed a floral wreath at the national monument dedicated to language martyrs.

Dr. Rahman arrived at the Shaheed Minar at approximately 6:30 a.m., shortly after the President and Prime Minister had offered floral tributes. He was accompanied by senior figures from the National Citizens Party, including Nahid Islam, Akhtar Hossain, and Hasnat Abdullah, as well as top leaders from the 11-party coalition.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Dr. Rahman led a solemn prayer (munajat) for the martyrs. Speaking to journalists afterwards, he remarked: “As the Leader of the Opposition, it is my duty to participate in state observances alongside my party members. This is not a matter of politics but of moral responsibility to the nation.”

Addressing questions from reporters, he added: “Such a sacred day should not be subjected to political debate. Today, we honour not only the language martyrs of 1952 but also those who fell in the 1947 struggles, the 1971 Liberation War, and the 1990 people’s uprising. We particularly remember those who were martyred under fifteen years of fascist rule and those who sacrificed their lives as July warriors to establish the nation’s rights.”

Dr. Rahman further emphasised that the tribute to language martyrs is a civic duty, not a political gesture. “Our struggle for a free, humane, corruption-free, terrorism-free, and democratic society will continue, and we will make no compromises in these endeavours,” he stated.

Later in the day, Dr. Rahman visited the Azimpur Graveyard to pay respects at the graves of language martyrs, offering prayers for their souls.

The following table lists key dignitaries present during the wreath-laying ceremony:

This historic visit is widely regarded as a landmark moment for Jamaat-e-Islami, breaking with tradition and highlighting the party’s acknowledgement of the sacrifices made during the language movement. Observers note that it not only reflects political engagement but also demonstrates respect for the nation’s cultural heritage and collective memory.