Language Movement Day is observed in Bangladesh every February 21, commemorating the Bengali Language Movement that began in the 1950s. This public holiday honors the sacrifices made by students and activists who protested against the declaration of Urdu as the sole national language in 1948, which was met with strong opposition from the Bengali-speaking majority in East Bengal. On February 21, 1952, a protest led by students from the University of Dhaka resulted in police violence, with several protesters killed, igniting widespread civil unrest. The movement ultimately led to Bengali being granted official status in 1956. This day is also recognized as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO, emphasizing the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity. Celebrations typically include memorials and events to honor the language martyrs and promote the Bengali language.