Language Movement veteran octogenarian Osman Gani has continued contributing to nation building with dreams for a better future.
"I firmly believe that the new generation will be able to free the country from illiteracy, poverty, corruption, anarchy, communalism, militancy and exploitation. I also believe Bangla will be used in every sphere of national life in near future," said the dedicated social worker while talking to this correspondent.
A life member of Chapainawabganj Diabetic Association, former president of Chapainawabganj Bar Association, Osman Gani is associated with different social organisations in the district.
One of the student leaders of the Language Movement in the University of Dhaka, Gani has kept his home town Chapainawabganj pulsating with life through his energetic presence for about 58 years.
Injustice all around hurts him but he still believes in the 'power of youths' that will bring about positive changes for a better society.
Osman Gani, then a student of Dhaka University, took part in the 1952 Language Movement in Dhaka as a member of the committee convened by Language Movement veteran Abdul Matin.
When police arrested Shamsul Haque, vice president (VP) of the students union of Fazlul Haque Hall of Dhaka University, Osman Gani was given the charge of acting VP.
On February 21, students broke Section 144 and brought out a procession from Dhaka University campus. As several people including students borrowed martyrdom in police firing on demonstrators, the spirit of the movement stirred the nation. Consequently, Language Movement acted as precursor to the country's independence in 1971.
Earlier in 1950, as part of the central committee decision to start mobilising support in favour of the movement to establish Bangla as a state language of the then Pakistan, Osman Gani went to his home district Rajshahi (that time it included present Chapainawabganj district). He was also given the charge of Dinajpur district for the purpose.
Now 81, he feels proud because February 21 is being observed as International Mother Language Day.
"February 21 is observed every year but political and socio-cultural organisations pay little attention to those who worked for upholding the dignity of the mother tongue. Our new generation should be made aware of the nation's glorious history," he said.
After doing his BA (honours) in political science from Dhaka University, Osman Gani started his carrier as headmaster of Binodpur High School in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district. He served nine years there and then joined Chapainawabganj Bar as a lawyer.
With the help of local people, he founded several educational institutions and social organisations in the district.
"Students should fight against all evils to change the country's picture. We fought against Pakistan and ended the chapter 39 years ago. But the fight will continue for a secular and democratic country. We have been done or trying to do our part. I hope the younger generation will do the rest," said Gani.