Washington DC: The Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day was observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington D.C. with a call to recognize Bangla as one of the official languages of the United Nations.
The Day also vowed to preserve and enrich Bangla, the language of more than 250 million people of the world.
At one minute past zero hours Monday, the Martyrs’ Day program began paying glowing tributes to the language heroes who made supreme sacrifice to establish Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan in 1952.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin placed wreaths at the altar of Shaheed Minar on the embassy premises. The Ambassador was followed by the embassy officials, staff, family members and expatriate Bangladeshis. They stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of deep respect to the memories of the language heroes.
In the morning, the Ambassador hoisted the national flag at half-staff in front of the chancery building. All officers and staff members of the embassy were present. Later, the messages of the hon’ble President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out and special prayers were offered seeking divine blessings for the martyrs of the Language Movement and the Liberation War.
In the evening, a brief discussion on the International Mother Language Day was held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the embassy. Ambassador Ziauddin and Dr. Ms. Polina Vinogradova, Director TESOL World Language & Culture, Ameri
can University spoke on the occasion.
The Ambassador in his remarks said mother language is the most natural means to assert one’s identity. He said the dissemination of mother languages encourages linguistic diversity and multilingual education throughout the world.
“In fact, respect for each other’s language inspires international solidarity based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue,” he said.
Referring to the UNESCO’s proclamation of the International Mother Language Day and the acknowledgment of the Day in its “Culture of Peace” resolution in 20008, he said Bangladesh as the pioneer of the resolution has a sacred obligation not only to protect Bangla but also all other languages.
Later, cultural troupes from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Guyana and Ghana, I
ndia, Sri Lanka, Paraguay, Mexico & Peru and Bosnia presented songs and dances.
Ms. Samia Israt Ronnie, the first secretary at the embassy, conducted the cultural program.
Diplomats from different embassies, political leaders, journalists, representatives of social and cultural bodies and expatriate Bangladeshis attended the function.
More than hour-long cultural soiree enthralled the guests in the packed auditorium. Members of the embassy family also sang patriotic songs highlighting the day.- Press Release
