Dhaka, Feb. 22 -- The nation on Saturday observed Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day with solemnity and quiet pride, marking the 74th anniversary of the historic 1952 Language Movement that laid the foundation of Bangladesh's linguistic and cultural identity.

The day's observances began just after midnight at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin placed the first floral wreath at the altar of the monument.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman followed shortly afterwards, paying his first official tribute as the head of the government.

He stood in silence along with members of his cabinet and senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

"Ekushey is our consciousness and our respo...