Dhaka, 21 February 2026 – The venerable cultural organisation Chhayanaut commemorated International Mother Language Day with a morning of music, poetry, and reflection, honouring the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement while celebrating Bengali cultural heritage. The event, held at 10:30am at the Chhayanaut Cultural Centre auditorium in Dhanmondi, drew artists, cultural enthusiasts, and citizens eager to participate in a day of remembrance and patriotic tribute.
Addressing the gathering, Sarwar Ali, President of Chhayanaut, emphasised the profound historical significance of the Language Movement. “The seeds of a secular and inclusive state were sown through the Language Movement, paving the way for the liberation of 1971,” he said. “The people of Bangladesh remain eternally indebted to the martyrs of 1952, whose ultimate sacrifice allowed Bengalis to assert their linguistic and cultural identity with pride.”
Sarwar reflected on the centrality of language and culture to national identity. “A nation is defined by its language, and its way of life finds expression through culture – a discipline to which Chhayanaut has remained devoted for decades. Languages that are not preserved in print risk extinction. We are fortunate to think, create, and articulate in a language whose heritage ennobles it,” he added.
He also highlighted the inclusive nature of Bengali nationalism. “Language transcends religious and social boundaries, uniting people of all faiths. If we forget Ekushey, the events of 1971 risk being obscured. And if 1971 is forgotten, the very identity of the Bengali nation cannot survive. This is why 21 February holds supreme significance in our collective life.”
Chhayanaut’s historical connection to the Language Movement was underscored during the ceremony. Many participants of the 1952 protests were instrumental in founding Chhayanaut in the 1960s, creating a cultural institution that has nurtured music, literature, and national consciousness ever since.
Programme Highlights
| Time | Performance | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Chorus: “Amader Chetanar Soikote” | Chhayanaut Choir |
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Song: “Moder Gorob Moder Asha” | Susmita Debnath Shuchi |
| 11:00 – 11:15 | Song: “Nishidin Bhorsha Rakhis” | Iffat Binte Nazir |
| 11:15 – 11:30 | Song: “Salam Salam Hajar Salam” | Dhruba Sarkar |
| 11:30 – 11:45 | Song: “Opomane Tumi Jwole Utthechile” | Priyantu Deb |
| 11:45 – 12:00 | Song: “O Amar Ei Bangla Bhasha” | Aishwarya Samaddar |
| 12:00 – 12:15 | Song: “Mago Dhonyo Holo” | Mohit Khan |
| 12:15 – 12:30 | Song: “Amay Gnethe Dao Na Mago” | Nusrat Jahan Runa |
| 12:30 – 12:45 | Song: “Mago Ati Phalguner Kotha” | Arnab Barua |
| 12:45 – 13:00 | Song: “Amar Desher Moton Emon” | Farzana Afrin Eva |
| 13:00 – 13:15 | Song: “Bhebo Nago Ma Tomar Chhelera” | Suman Majumder |
| 13:15 – 13:30 | Poetry Recitation: “Matribhumir Jonyo” | Dalia Ahmed |
| 13:30 – 13:45 | Poetry Recitation: “Ekushe February” | Dewan Saidul Hassan |
| 13:45 – 14:00 | Collective Anthem: “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushe February” & National Anthem: “Amar Sonar Bangla” | All Artists |
The programme commenced with the Chhayanaut choir performing Nazim Mahmud’s evocative “Amader Chetanar Soikote” and proceeded with a succession of songs and recitations by renowned artists, each piece steeped in memory and patriotism. The morning concluded with a moving collective performance of Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury’s iconic anthem, followed by the national anthem, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of pride in Bengali language, culture, and history.