Programmes to observe Ekushey

Different socio-political and cultural organisations and professional bodies have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day today.
President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.
The president in his message said, "The spirit of nationalism that emanated from the historic language movement inspired Bangalees to achieve self-determination and sovereignty. Thus, we achieved our long-cherished Independence in 1971."
He also recalled Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, erstwhile member of Legislative Dhirendra Nath Dutta, Maulana Akram Khan and other language movement veteran who contributed immensely to materialise the language movement a success.
In her message, the prime minister said Ekushey is the symbol of grief, strength and glory in the life of every Bangalee.
The BNP chairperson said the first step of our struggle for independence originated from the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs of the Language Movement.
Leaders of Jatiya Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Workers Party, Jamaat, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Jatiya Party (JP), Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal also gave separate messages on the occasion.
AL, BNP and other political parties will hoist the national and party flags at half-mast atop their central offices.
The PM will inaugurate International Mother Language Institute Bhaban today at 3:30pm at Segunbagicha in the city.
Dhaka Electric Supply Company Ltd organises a blood donation programme at 10:00am at its head office at Road-24, House-3, Block-K at Banani.
Islamic Foundation organises a milad and doa mahfil at 10:30am at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
Shaheed Asad Parishad organises recitation of poems at Swadhinata Udyan at 11:00am.