President Mohammad Shahabuddin led the nation in paying tribute to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, marking the first hour of February 21, 2026. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman followed with floral offerings, joined by cabinet members including Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and other senior officials. The Chief Election Commissioner, service chiefs, foreign diplomats, and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also placed wreaths.

Thousands of citizens gathered around the Shaheed Minar through the night, waiting in long lines to offer flowers once the official tributes concluded. Political, social, and cultural organizations also participated in the homage. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked that after years of what he described as fascist rule, this year’s observance symbolized freedom and renewal under the newly elected BNP government led by Tarique Rahman.

The event reflected a national spirit of remembrance and unity, with leaders expressing commitment to uphold the ideals of equality, democracy, and cultural enrichment embodied in the language movement.