Who the language martyrs were

The names most often commemorated

The names most frequently invoked are Abdus Salam, Rafiquddin Ahmed, Barkat Ullah, Abdul Jabbar, Shafiur Rahman, Abdul Awal and Ohiullah. Several were students, one was a government employee, and Ohiullah was a child.

Deaths occurred in the first shooting on 21 February and again on 22 February, when police fired on a mourning procession. Sources differ slightly on which person died on which day.

• Abdus Salam · Rafiquddin Ahmed · Barkat Ullah
• Abdul Jabbar · Shafiur Rahman
• Abdul Awal · Ohiullah

Why accounts differ

Only a limited number of records of the 1952 events survived at the time, and later lists were reconstructed from hospital, police and memory-based accounts. Different documents therefore give different numbers and dates.

For that reason this guide does not present a single list or date as the only truth; it reports the most widely recognised names.

How they are remembered

Every year, in the first hours of 21 February, people walk barefoot in the probhat feri and place flowers at the Central Shaheed Minar. Bengali speakers in Bangladesh and abroad observe the day as well.

Another recognition tied to the movement is the Ekushey Padak, awarded for contributions to language, literature and culture.