Is Language Martyrs’ Day a Public Holiday in Bangladesh?
Language Martyrs’ Day is a public holiday for the general population according to Holidays 2025. This means, offices, colleges, schools, universities, and several other academic institutions remain closed on this day.
Language Martyrs’ Day History
In 1947, India was divided into two nations by the Britishers and it so happened the western-based government had also proposed to introduce Urdu as the only state language, which would exclusively be used in schools and in the media. This particular move caused unrest and because of which many protests also erupted in East Pakistan.
Earlier in the year 1952, the protests had intensified and the government had to ultimately lay down curfew (Section 144).
On February 21st in the year 1952, students began gathering at the University of Dhaka and started revolting. The police arrested several protestors and also brought section 144 into action. This enraged the crowd further and when the students made an effort to enter the main building of the East Bengal Legislative Assembly, the police made open fire and shot dead several protestors.
So, the Language Martyrs’ Day in Bangladesh is celebrated in honour of those fallen souls who made a grave contribution to the culture and identity of the country.
Language Martyrs’ Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Thu | 21 February | Language Martyrs’ Day | Public Holiday |
| 2020 | Fri | 21 February | Language Martyrs’ Day | Public Holiday |
| 2021 | Sun | 21 February | Language Martyrs’ Day | Public Holiday |
| 2022 | Mon | 21 February | Language Martyrs’ Day | Public Holiday |
| 2023 | Tue | 21 February | Language Martyrs’ Day | Public Holiday |
| 2024 | Wed | 21 February | Language Martyrs’ Day | Public Holiday |
| 2025 | Fri | 21 February | Language Martyrs’ Day | Public Holiday |