Language Martyrs’ Day 2025 in Bangladesh

Language Martyrs’ Day 2025 in Bangladesh happens to be one of the most important days for the country. February 21st has been celebrated as Language Martyr’s Day in Bangladesh every year.

The day is also known by various names such as Shaheed Day, ’Ekushe’ (21st), Language Movement Day, Martyrs’ Day and ’Shôhid Dibôs’ in Bengali, this day commemorates those who lost their lives in the struggle for the Bengali language in 1952.

When is Language Martyrs’ Day in 2025?

21

February, 2025

(Friday)

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
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Quick Facts

This year: Fri, 21 February 2025
Last year: Wed, 21 February 2024
Type: Public Holiday