Bangladesh High Commission celebrates ‘International Mother Language day’ with 12 languages
Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria has celebrated “Martyrs’ Day” and ‘International Mother Language Day’.
A discussion cum multi-lingual cultural event took place at the Commission’s auditorium on 21 February 2020.
A minute silence was observed as a respect to the martyrs. A documentary on the “International Mother Language Day” was screened.
While paying tribute to the language martyrs, Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria said that International Mother Language Day (IMLD) has now become a day of celebration of linguistic diversity around the world.
He recalled the leadership role of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as well as the language martyrs in the historic language movement. He also underlined the significance of the language movement in the evolution of the national history culminating into the independence of Bangladesh.
Speaking, Mr. Yao Ydo, the Regional Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja, highlighted the sacrifices of the Bangladeshis during the language movement in 1952 and also mentioned the global significance of UNESCO’s Declaration of the day as International Mother Language Day.
H.E. Mr. Abhay Thakur, High Commissioner of India congratulated Bangladesh for the recognition of the day by the UNESCO following rare sacrifices made by the sons of the country.
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigeria who took part in the discussion, noted the importance of IMLD and touched on the potential role it can play in bringing peace and harmony among various language groups, creating better understanding.
The discussion segment ended with a colorful multi-lingual cultural programme.
The stellar performances by artists from Bangladesh, China, Colombia, India (Hindi & Tamil), Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria (representing African Yoruba), Sri Lanka, Ukraine, High Commission family along with Bangladesh and West Bengal community enthralled the audience and manifested a unique harmony of the nations for the protection of linguistic diversity.
Nigerian Government Officials, Ambassador/
Performance by the Indonesia Ambassador and other diplomats added colour to the event. The guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.
The event began with the placing of floral wreath at the newly-built Shahid Minar (Martyrs’ Monument) at the High Commission by the High Commissioner, Officials & community members & their families. The national flag was hoisted at a half-mast in the morning of February 21, 2020 in the premises of the High Commission. Messages from the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. A documentary on the first ever Pavilion of the Foreign Ministry at the Bangla Academy Book Fair was screened.
A special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed souls of those who laid down their lives during the language movement in 1952 and War of liberation in 1971 and divine blessings for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
