Acting Chairman of BNP, Tarique Rahman, has commented that foreign forces are encroaching upon our language and culture. On the occasion of Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day, Tarique Rahman expressed this in a social media message on Wednesday, "Although our country is independent, supremacist forces in their various incarnations are attempting to subjugate us as a nation by imposing their cultural, economic, and political dominance. Foreign cultural invasion is undermining our language and culture, owing to the servitude of a particular group so that we are not able to stand tall with pride."

He added, "This is the reason why the citizens of our country find themselves shackled once more by a one-party dictatorship, stripping them of their right to vote. Begum Khaleda Zia, the champion of multi-party democracy and liberation, has been imprisoned to further tighten the grip on democracy further. By rejecting the sham and one-sided election on January 7, the people demonstrated their unwavering resolve to reclaim democratic freedoms. The indomitable spirit of Ekushey inspires us to fortify and speed up the ongoing democratic movement against the oppressive rule of the incumbent Awami government and to reinstate the people's usurped rights."

In solemn remembrance of the martyrs of the Bengali language movement of 1952, he remarked, "The tragic events of February 21 stand as a sombre yet illustrious chapter in our national history. This day, now celebrated globally as International Mother Language Day, marks a poignant moment. The brave students of Dhaka University, risking their lives, took to the streets to defend their rights and honour Bengali, our mother tongue, ultimately sacrificing their lives in the face of police gunfire. Their immense sacrifice marked the inception of our national liberation movement. Every struggle for democracy and ultimately the independence in our nation has been characterised by the event of 1952. Through such sacrifices, we obtained our national independence, offering our people the taste of true liberation."

"The emergence of language consciousness is deeply intertwined with the self-exploration of the Bengali-speaking people. The language movement of Bangladesh serves as a catalyst, stirring our sense of nationalism and unity. As February 21 is globally recognized as International Mother Language Day, it motivates diverse ethnic groups worldwide to cherish and nurture their mother tongues. On this auspicious occasion of February 21, I extend my best wishes for the success of the various programmes organised by numerous socio-cultural and political organisations."

Tarique Rahman paid his respects to the champions of all language movements and wished their families happiness, peace and longevity, and prayed for the departed souls of the martyrs of 1952.