Published: 21 February 2025
Like in previous years, TIB celebrated International Mother Language Day on February 21, remembering the martyrs of the historic 1952 Language Movement.
On this day, Rafiq, Shafiq, Salam, Jabbar, and Barkat sacrificed their lives for the right to speak their mother tongue, Bangla—an unprecedented event in the history of movements.
At dawn, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) joined the nation in honoring the martyrs. TIB staff and young volunteers, led by Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, participated in the Prabhat Pheri (morning procession) carrying the message, “Corruption is against the spirit of February 21,” and placed a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar. After the wealth placing ceremony, all the participants visited TIB stall no. 1024 at the Amr Ekushey book fair.
TIB’s youth volunteers—Youth Engagement and Support (YES) group, Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs), and Active Citizens Groups (ACGs)—also paid tribute in 45 CCC areas across the country, promoting the values of the Language Movement and the fight against corruption nationwide.
TIB believes the martyrs’ courage inspires the reforms needed to build a transparent and corruption-free Bangladesh. Since UNESCO declared February 21 International Mother Language Day in 1999, TIB’s tribute has highlighted the importance of language rights and the broader fight for justice.
