A central coordinating committee draws up an official program for the observance of Feb. 21. According to that, the Honourable President of the country is the first to place wreaths at the central Shaheed Minar at one minute past midnight, followed by the Prime Minister and other ministers. The Shaheed Minar and its surroundings are decorated with Alpana (traditional painting on the roads), banners, festoons etc. Different political, educational, government, private, socio-cultural and professional organizations chalk out elaborate programs for the day, which include placing of wreaths, cultural functions and discussion sessions. The day is a public holiday and the national flag flies at half-mast atop all government and private buildings. Beginning from midnight till the end of February 21, the central Shaheed Minar stands in glory in the midst of thousands of people and enormous flower wreaths. Its significance transcends that of just the language struggle, but also symbolises the struggle for emancipation from the oppression of the oppressors, and it continues to define the national and cultural identity that set Bengalis apart as a people independent to those who oppressed them. It stands as a historical monumental pride for Bangladeshis, who refused to accept domination and their binding victory of their mother language and country.