The nation on Monday paid homage to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, marking 'Amar Ekushey' and International Mother Language Day. The great Language Movement, a significant event in the nation’s history, was aimed at establishing the right of the mother tongue as well as protecting self-entity, and culture and heritage. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement at the start of day. On behalf of the president, his Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam placed a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past midnight. On behalf of the prime minister, her Military Secretary Major General Naquib Ahmed Chowdhury  placed a wreath at the Central Shahid Minar in Dhaka at one minute past midnight. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tribute to the language heroes. Sheikh Hasina also released a special commemorative postage stamp, an opening day cover and a data card marking 70 years of Amar Ekushey and Golden Jubilee of observing Amar Ekushey in the independent Bangladesh. Read:Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi pays homage to language martyrs