“We don’t have any information over any possible subversive act but security has been beefed up across the country, including Dhaka. In coordination with the members of other forces, Rab will monitor the important places and divisional cities in plainclothes to prevent any evil attempt,” he said.

Talking to reporters after inspecting the security situation in central Shaheed Minar area, the Rab DG said helicopters will remain ready to tackle any emergency situation.

Mamun said the Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day will be observed in accordance with health safety rules as outlined by the government due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Strict security measures have been taken by Rab to ensure the safety of visitors in the Shaheed Minar area and avoid any possible chaos and terrorist activities,” he said.

He said a three-tire security of Rab will remain in force by dividing the central Shaheed Minar area into five zones in coordination with the police.

The Rab DG said their bomb disposal unit and dog squad will work in the Shaheed Minar area. Security has been ensured by searching hotels, restaurants, slums and other places around the Central Shaheed Minar, he added.

Also read: Amar Ekushey: Nation ready to pay homage to language heroes

Check posts have been set up at different important points near the Shaheed Minar.

Amar Ekushey

On February 21, 1952, students and common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan.

Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firings on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus defying section 144 to press home their demand for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan.

Bangladesh observes "Amar Ekushey" – the Language Martyrs Day (Shaheed Day) and the International Mother Language Day – on February 21 every year to mark the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the right to speak their mother tongue Bangla.

Also read: Max 5 persons to attend Feb 21 programme under single banner

Following the formation of local government by Jukto Front in April 1954, the anniversary of February 21 was declared as a holiday.

The day is also revered around the world as Unesco recognised the Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.

Ekushey Book Fair

Earlier, the government delayed the opening of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2021 saying that it will be held physically in March following the Covid-19 health safety guidelines.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid said this at a press conference on January 17 last.  The event has been delayed considering the Covid-19 situation, he added.

Also read: Feb 21: Route map finalised for going to Central Shaheed Minar

"We thought that the book fair could be organised in the post-Covid-19 situation. Such preparations were taken to begin the fair virtually but we couldn't do so due to the Covid-19 situation," said KM Khalid.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the annual event close to the hearts of book lovers, publishers, and authors of the country, draws a huge crowd.