Dhaka, Feb 20 Bangladesh will observe the anniversary of one of their most emotive political incidents - the 1954 language movement - indoors as a state of emergency across the country is in force.Men in white, and women in white saris with red border, will march to the Martyrs' Memorial in the heart of this capital to pay homage in memory of those, mostly teachers and students, killed in police firing while protesting the then Pakistan government's one-language policy declaring Urdu the only official language in both parts of the state.But there will be no placards, banners slogans or songs since the state of emergency forbids political activity.Feb 21, popularly known as 'ekushey' (21), is observed as International Mother Language Day and is Bangladesh's annual cultural catharsis.Official orders had initially banned the 'Ekushey' observations across the country. But orders were changed when a delegation of the Awami League - the country's largest party - met Law Advisor Mainul Hosein Monday, New Age newspaper reported.The country is under a state of emergency after the ninth general elections - scheduled on Jan 11 - were cancelled in the midst of political turmoil.
(c) Indo-Asian News Service
