Ekushey February is Bangladesh’s national day of remembrance for the language martyrs. From midnight, people walk barefoot in the probhat feri and lay flowers, and official and cultural events take place across the country.
Date
21 February
Main custom
Probhat feri and flowers
Linked award
Ekushey Padak
Cultural event
Amar Ekushey Book Fair
From midnight on 20 February, people join the probhat feri and place flowers at the Central Shaheed Minar. Walking barefoot is understood as a sign of respect and humility.
Probhat feri processions take place nationwide, with the Dhaka monument as the largest focal point.
The Ekushey Padak is a national award for contributions to language and culture, tied to the memory of 21 February.
Throughout February, Dhaka hosts the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, which has become a major cultural event for Bengali language and literature.
Bengali speakers observe the day in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, the Middle East and elsewhere. Following UNESCO recognition in 1999, it is also International Mother Language Day.
Information checked: 3 November 2026. Access conditions, opening hours, fares and nearby opening arrangements can change — confirm the latest details before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
A national day of remembrance in Bangladesh for the language martyrs, observed from the midnight before 21 February with processions and flowers at the Shaheed Minar.
Walking barefoot in the probhat feri is understood as a mark of respect and humility, and it is one of the best-known customs of the day.
A national award given for contributions to language, literature and culture, linked to the memory of the Language Movement.
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