A midnight service is to be held next Wednesday night to commemorate those who died fighting to protect the Bengali language 61 years ago.
Students and activists gave their lives on February 21 1952 when Pakistani police opened fire on them during a protest for equal status for their mother tongue of Bengali.
Prior to Bangladesh gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971, Urdu had been imposed as the sole language for the country.
More regularly known as “Martyrs Day”, the anniversary is also now recognised by the United Nations as International Mother Language Day.
The ceremony is to be held at the Altab Ali Park in Whitechapel Road, where gates will open from 11pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here