On a winter night in 1981, Momen left for Beirut.

As we prepare to commemorate the sacrifices of some brave young Bangalees in that defining year of 1952, we cannot but bear in mind some other realities. Bangalees also in other regions -- India's Barak valley and Manbhum -- have lost their lives protesting assaults on their language. How many of us are aware of such hard truths? Today, we recount those tales of commitment and valour.

My Bangla, O the language of my soul// Who dares to wipe you out// It's this language// that worked for us for seven generations// And we gone to sleep in our mother's arms// And called her Ma.