A different touch

Asaduzzaman Noor speaking to Naboni about the importance of Mother Language in Ebong

This year, the schedule of the day started with the live telecast of paying homage to the martyrs of Language Movement at the Central Shaheed Minar at the striking hour of midnight. All the Bangladeshi channels telecast the tribute through BTV.

Among other programmes, Channel-i introduced something new by airing two programmes namely Amra Jeno Bhuley Na Jai, a documentary on the present condition of the language martyrs' families, and a programme paying a tribute to Altaf Mahmud, the composer of the Ekushey song Amar Bhaier Roktey Rangano. The present condition of the family-members of the martyrs, their feelings and their sorrows were shown in the documentary. The programme showed Rafique, Jabbar, Salam, Barkat, Shafiur's ancestral homes and revealed many unknown sides of those heroes. The programme on Altaf Mahmud also showed the martyr's daughter, Shawon, remembering the days she spent with her father. Other members of the family took part in the discussion as well.

ATN Bangla aired an innovative and informative programme titled Ekusher Prothom, which was presented by Professor Dr. Rafiqul Islam. The new generation as well as the old were undoubtedly well informed on Ekushey from this programme that dealt with the first productions--like the first poem, song, drama, monument etc.--commemorating Ekushey.

Ntv's drama Ebong was an exceptional preparation on Ekushey. It presented the importance of mother language these days. Azaduszamman Noor and the child artist Naboni's performances were very naturally presented.

BTV aired some traditional scores of programmes on Ekushey as it does every year.

Two Indian channels Tara Bangla and Akash Bangla also aired special programmes to mark the day. Blending of views of cultural personalities of Bangladesh and West Bengal and presentation of their enterprises on Ekushey were remarkable.