The nation is paying rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1952 historic Language Movement with the clock striking 00.01am on Wednesday marking 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day. Here are some photos taken in Dhaka on the occasion. 

Children going to the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka with flowers to pay homage to the Language Movement martyrs on February 21, 2018. Photo: Star/ Rashed Sumon

People throng the central Shaheed Minar in the city with flowers and letters of the mother language Bangla on February 21, 2018. Photo: Star/ Rashed Sumon

People from all walks of life including children going to the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka with flowers on February 21, 2018 to pay homage to the Language Movement martyrs. Photo: Star/ Rashed Sumon

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is placing wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka in the wee hours on February 21, 2018 to pay homage and respect to the Language Movement martyrs. Photo: Star/ SK Enamul Haq

People from all walks of life walk towards the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to pay homage to the Language Movement martyrs on February 21, 2018. Photo: Star/ Palash Khan

Members of Bangladesh Hijra Kalyan Foundation place wreaths of flower at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay homage to the Language Movement martyrs on February 21, 2018. Photo: Star/ Palash Khan

People hold placards commemorating the Language Movement martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar premises on February 21, 2018. Photo: Palash Khan

Sun rises as the flowers are seen upon the Central Shaheed Minar on February 21, 2018 Photo: Star/ Palash Khan