Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja Observes Shaheed Dibosh & International Mother Language Day 2026 with Solemn Tribute
Oru Leonard
Abuja, 21 February 2026: The Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja observed Shaheed Dibosh (Martyrs’ Day) and International Mother Language Day 2026 at its premises in a befitting and solemn manner today, paying deep homage to the martyrs of the Language Movement.
The day’s programme commenced with the lowering of the National Flag at half-mast, followed by a ‘provat feri’ and observance of a one-minute silence in memory of the heroic sacrifices made by the students and people who laid down their lives on 21 February 1952 to প্রতিষ্ঠা the rightful status of Bangla as a state language.
A special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the martyrs of the Language Movement and continued growth, peace, and prosperity of Bangladesh.
Messages marking the Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day from the Honourable President, Honourable Prime Minister, Honourable Foreign Minister, and Honourable State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out on the occasion. The High Commissioner delivered remarks highlighting the historic significance of the day and underscored the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
To further commemorate the occasion, the High Commission will host a discussion programme and Iftar, to be attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials of Nigeria, members of the local community, and expatriate Bangladeshis residing in the country.
The observance reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices of the Language Movement martyrs and promoting the spirit of linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.
About Shaheed Dibosh, also known as Martyrs’ Day
Shaheed Dibosh, also known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed on February 21 and is closely tied to International Mother Language Day. This day commemorates the sacrifices made by the language movement activists in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) in 1952, who fought for the recognition of Bengali as an official language of Pakistan.
The significance of this day lies in promoting linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as recognizing the struggles of those who gave their lives for their mother tongue. In 1999, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote multilingualism and preserve cultural heritage .
The day is observed with various events and tributes in Bangladesh and around the world, including laying wreaths at the Shaheed Minar (Martyrs’ Monument) in Dhaka.
