Sohel Rana, Staff Reporter:

February 14, 'World Valentine's Day' or Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world as a unique day of love, affection and human bonds. Lovers, husbands and wives, mothers and children, friends and colleagues - people in different relationships express love and greetings to each other on this day. The day becomes joyful through the exchange of flowers, cards, chocolates and various gifts. Parks, restaurants and entertainment centers are full.

History of origin ❤️

There are various opinions about the origin of Valentine's Day. In ancient Rome, February 14 was a holiday in honor of the Roman goddess Juno. Juno was considered the goddess of women and love. Many believe that the day began from there.

Another popular story is associated with the Roman emperor Claudius II. It is believed that he banned the marriage of young people for the sake of war. A brave Christian priest - Saint Valentine protested this injustice.  He was sentenced to death for secretly arranging marriages for young people. He was executed on February 14, 269 or 270 AD. Before his death, he signed a note addressed to a jailer's daughter—"From your Valentine." It is believed that the tradition of sending messages to loved ones began there.
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I officially declared February 14 as Valentine's Day.
Another opinion says that in the Middle Ages, it was believed in Europe that birds mate in mid-February. From that belief, people also started the custom of choosing partners and expressing love at this time.

Celebrations around the world ❤️

Over time, Valentine's Day has crossed the boundaries of Western society and gained popularity worldwide. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. Billions of dollars worth of flowers, cards, and gifts are sold every year. An estimated more than 30 million greeting cards are exchanged in the United States on this day.  Corporate organizations and the media also organize special events on this occasion.

Valentine's Day in Bangladesh ❤️

In Bangladesh, Valentine's Day began to be celebrated in the early nineties. Although it was initially organized in the capital, it gradually spread throughout the country. The initial event organized at the TSC campus of Dhaka University generated widespread discussion in the media. Although it was criticized at the beginning, over time, the day has become one of the most popular festivals among the youth.

Currently, Valentine's Day is celebrated in various ways in cities and villages across the country. Social media, television and commercial organizations run special campaigns around the day. However, its importance is increasing not only as a day to express respect and love for all relationships, including family, friends, teachers and students.

A message of love ❤️

In today's world, when violence, division and narrow-mindedness are increasing, the message of love can be the path to humanity's liberation. Compassion and compassion can win the hearts of enemies.  A beautiful world can be built only by the mentality of throwing flowers in return when someone throws a stone.

May love spread from house to house, from country to country.

Happy Valentine's Day. 💖🌹