Language movement veterans honoured

Language movement veterans pose for photograph at a reception accorded to them at Shilpakala Academy in the city yesterday.Photo: STAR

Language movement veterans of the country were honoured at a programme in the city yesterday for their gallant role in the historic event that triggered the liberation war in 1971.
A total of 23 language movement heroes were honoured at the programme jointly organised by Committee for Celebration of 400 Years of Dhaka and Group Theatre Federation at the National Theatre auditorium at Shilpakala Academy as part of the 400th anniversary of Dhaka city as the capital.
The language veterans include ailing Gaziul Haque, Abdul Matin popularly known as Bhasa Matin, artist Murtaza Basir, Oli Ahad, Prof Anisuzzaman, Dr Ahmad Rafique, photographer Amanul Haque, Sayeed Haider, Sufia Ahmed, Halima Khatun, Raushon Ara Bacchu, Pranesh Samadder, Imdad Hossain, Aminul Islam, writer Rafiqul Islam, Muhammad Taqiullah, Nadera Begum, Abdul Gafur, Sharfuddin Ahmed, Mustafa Nur-ul-Islam, Sadeque Khan and Tofazzel Hossain.
President Jillur Rahman was also honoured in his absence for his leading role in the language movement in 1952.
Speaking on the occasion, National Prof Kabir Chowdhury said, “The use of Bangla and English language at the same time while speaking only pollute the language. We have to honour our mother tongue properly. Not just in the month of February, but we have to establish it properly in our lifestyle.”
Group Theatre Federation Chairman M Hamid said, “It is not possible to repay the debt of these brave sons of the soil. All we can do is to honour them for their contribution.”
Committee for Celebration of 400 Years of Dhaka Convener Rabiul Hussain, former finance minister M Safiuzzaman, architect Samsul Wares, freedom fighter Habibul Alam and Dhaka city researcher Hashem Sufi also took part.
The fearless heroes were honoured with shawls with Bangla alphabet imprinted on them, flowers bouquets and crests.