Dhaka, Feb. 20 -- The Central Shaheed Minar at Dhaka University has been fully prepared to pay tribute to the language martyrs in the early hours of Ekushey.

A dense security blanket has been thrown over the entire monument area to ensure safety during the proceedings.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have been scheduled to pay their respects to the language heroes at the first stroke of midnight.

Local government minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other cabinet members have already arrived at the venue.

The observance marks the sacrifice of students and activists in 1952 who protested for Bangla to be recognised as a state language.

Police opened fire on the demonstrators, killing Abdus Salam, A...