Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Wednesday paid homage to the 1952 Language Movement martyrs, marking Amar Ekushey, the Language Martyrs Day, and the International Mother Language Day.

The party leaders and workers, led by its senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, reached the Central Shaheed Minar around 10:47 am after waiting for a long time and placed a wreath at its altar.

Talking to reporters there, Rizvi said BNP leaders and activists are taking to the streets to restore democracy, braving all repressive acts.

“The people of the country want to speak with a loud voice without any fear and they want to establish their rights inspired by the spirit of 21st February.  We’re taking a vow on this day to do that following the path showed by the language martyrs,” he said.

In response to a question, Rizvi said their one-point movement has not stopped. “The movement is going on. Our movement will continue until our desired goal is achieved.”

He said they will continue the one-point movement until the fall of the current government and restoration of democracy through a fair and credible election.

“Our leaders and workers are not disappointed. They are invigorated since they are fighting for a truth and justice,” the BNP leader said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the party arranged a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the day.

BNP also kept their party and national flags at half-mast and hoisted black flags at its Nayapaltan central office at 6 am in observance of the day.

Besides, BNP’s different units across the country are also observing the day with due respect amid various programmes.

Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque