As the nation readies itself to observe Language Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day on February 21, educational institutions nationwide are bustling with preparations for the solemn occasion.
Amidst the anticipation, plans are underway to embellish Shaheed Minar altars with vibrant floral displays at dawn on February 21. School students are eagerly gearing up to participate in morning ceremonies, paying homage to the language martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the recognition of Bangla as the state language.
However, a significant hurdle shadows several primary schools in Barisal district, where a considerable number lack a Shaheed Minar. This deficiency poses a challenge to students, hindering their ability to properly honor the martyrs.
Educators and parents alike have raised concerns over this issue, urging authorities to address it by facilitating the construction of Shaheed Minars within primary school premises.
An investigation reveals stark statistics, with a mere 10% of government primary schools in Barisal district boasting a Shaheed Minar. Out of the 1592 government primary schools in the district, only 153 have this essential monument.
The situation is particularly dire in Mehendiganj upazila, where none of the 208 primary schools have a Shaheed Minar.
Other upazilas in the district report low percentages of primary schools with Shaheed Minars, exemplified by Agailjhara upazila having only 2 out of 97 schools equipped with the monument, and Wazirpur upazila counting 30 out of 181 schools.
The Nagerkathi Government Primary School in Bakerganj Upazila epitomizes the issue. Established in 1970, the school’s 140 students are unable to pay their respects to the martyrs due to the absence of a Shaheed Minar.
Headmaster Newaz Mallik lamented the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for a Shaheed Minar. Despite repeated appeals, one is yet to be constructed.
Fifth-grade student Sarah voiced her disappointment, highlighting how the absence of a Shaheed Minar deprives them of the opportunity to honor the martyrs.
Barisal District Primary Education Officer SM Aktaruzzaman assured efforts would be made to address the issue but stressed the importance of budget allocation at the governmental level.
Renowned educationist Dasgupta Ashish Kumar underscored the significance of Shaheed Minars in educating the younger generation about the sacrifices made in 1952 for the recognition of Bengali as the state language.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Sohail Maruf pledged the district administration’s full cooperation in overcoming any obstacles hindering Shaheed Minar construction, emphasizing the need for every school to have one.
