With inauguration of 1448 new Shaheed Minars in as many educational institutions through observing Ekushey February programme today, all the 1701 primary schools, high schools, colleges and madrasas in the district get the memorial to pay homage to the Language Movement martyrs.

The grand success, against the backdrop of a large majority of the educational institutions in different areas of the country remaining without any Shaheed Minar, has been possible through a noble initiative by the district administration.

Only few months ago, most of the institutions in Pabna did not have any Shaheed Minar, and so, many people, especially in remote areas, could not observe Ekushey, said Pabna Deputy Commissioner Rekha Rani Balo.

"We took an initiative to set up Shaheed Minars in all educational institutions so that the students, teachers as well as the local people can observe Ekushey with due honour to the martyrs," she said.

Following instructions by the district administration, upazila nirbahi officers in nine upazilas have already set up 1448 new Shaheed Minars in educational institutions this year, said Md Wazed Ali, a district education officer.

“Now Ekushey will be observed in Shaheed Minars in all the 1701 institutions,” he added.

Visiting several educational institutions with newly built Shaheed Minars in different areas of the district, this correspondent saw students, teachers and locals happy to get the monuments.

Arnob Hossain, 13, of Faridpur upazila expressed happiness that he along with 300 students of Kashipur Government Primary School will observe the Ekushey programme today, placing wreaths at the new Shaheed Minar on the school premises.

“We feel proud that now all the educational institutions of Pabna district have Shaheed Minars to observe the day. It will help nourish the spirit of the Language Movement,” said Abdul Matin Khan, a leading cultural activist.