Saluting language veterans: Stories wrapped in a single cover

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the great Language Movement, Nagad and The Business Standard today bring out a special publication to pay tribute to 19 eminent language fighters from Chattogram for their remarkable contribution to the Language Movement.

The cover of this joint publication titled "Chattogram in Language Movement" was revealed at the conference hall of the Nagad head office in the capital on Sunday.

Deputy Minister for Ministry of Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhoury was present at the unveiling ceremony as the chief guest while, Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu, freedom fighter and Ekushey Padak winning thespian, and Barrister Biplab Barua, special assistant to the prime minister, were present as special guests.

Tanvir A Mishuk, managing director of Nagad, Sharier Khan, executive editor at The Business Standard, also spoke at the function. Muhammad Zahidul Islam Sajal, head of public communication at Nagad, moderated the function.

Mohibul Hasan Chowdhoury said the history of the Language Movement in Chattogram was not published nationally. "The 'Chattogram in Language Movement' publication depicted the history for the first time. Really, it is an important job on Language Movement in Chattogram."

Chattogram and its people had played an important role in nation building activities, which all should know of, he said.

Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu said soldiers of anti-British movement were active and sacrificed their lives in Chattogram. The new publication not only showed respect to Chattogram's language heroes but it showed respect to all language heroes in the country.

"It is necessary to start Bangla at all levels. Most of the signboards are still written in English," he said.

Biplab Barua said Chattogram had played a pivotal and leading role in many movements. The publication reflects the commitment to patriotism. 

Bangabandhu had led the Language Movement since 1947. Finally, he brought independence to the country, he added.

Sharier Khan said, "We are really happy to come up with the special publication where the tales of language heroes are written."

Commenting on the initiative, Tanvir A Mishuk, managing director of Nagad, said, "Nagad is delighted to be a part of such a noble cause and this effort is a small step toward preserving and commemorating our valiant soldiers and their sacrifices. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to The Business Standard and all the associates for their tireless efforts in putting together this outstanding endeavour."

"Chattogram in Language Movement" features untold tales of veteran language fighters from the Chattogram region, who actively participated in the great Language Movement to achieve the deserving status for Bangla as the state language of Bangladesh.

The 19 stories were published in print and online versions of The Business Standard between 1 February and 21 February in observance of the momentous month of February. 

The language veterans from Chattogram who have been featured on the magazine are Shaheed Saber, Maulana Ahmedur Rahman Azmee, AKM Emdadul Islam, Krishna Gopal Sen, Abdus Salam, AKM Rafique Ullah Chowdhury, Abdullah Al Harun, Kobial Ramesh Shil, MA Aziz, Abul Kalam Azad, Chemon Ara, Mohammad Solaiman, Binod Behari, Prothiba Mutsuddi, Shawkat Osman, Mahbub Ul Alam Chowdhury, Zahur Ahmad Chowdhury, Prof Abdul Fazal and Sayadul Haque.

The joint publication will be circulated across the country along with The Business standard's daily newspaper on 21 February.