Language veteran Gaziul Haque inaugurated the programme with placing of wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar and observing one minute's silence in memory of the language martyrs.

Artistes of Ananda Dhani, a cultural organisation, rendered Ekushey songs. Later, Universal Theater staged a drama. On the occasion, the SSJ will also hold a six-day programme at the Rabindra Sarabar Mancha at Dhanmondi Park from February 16 to 21.

Addressing the rally the SSJ leaders said the law and order situation has been deteriorating day by day and no-one is safe in the country.

The aim of the language movement in 1952 was to establish a democratic and non-communal society but it is yet to be achieved, the SSJ leaders said. They regretted that English is being used everywhere instead of Bangla.

The SSJ leaders said due to mushrooming of English medium schools and kindergartens the next generation would forget Bangla.

They said even some ministers and political leaders cannot speak Bangla properly.

Ahkamullah read out the declaration of the Amar Ekushey at the function with SSJ President Nasir Uddin Yusuf in the chair. The function was followed by a cultural function and recitation.

SSJ General Secretary Golam Kuddus, KG Mustafa, Dr. Mohammad Samad, Mannan Hira, Mamunur Rashid, and Asaduzzaman Noor MP also spoke.