A declaration of independence heralded the birth of a new nation in 1971. But, it was the blood, toil and sacrifice of millions in a nine-month-long war that cemented the nation's footing on the world map.
On February 21, we remember the Bangla Language Movement martyrs Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abul Barkat, Abdul Jabbar, and Ohiullah for sacrificing their lives to speak their mother tongues. We should not forget the significance of this day.