Dhaka, Feb. 20 -- The nation observes today the 'Amar Ekushey' commemorating the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of mother-tongue Bangla - this time amid a new spirit.

The Language Martyr's Day is observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.

Walking barefoot to Dhaka's Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers and singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life started paying their respects to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as a state language of erstwhile Pakistan, from midnight Thursday.

On February...